WIREDGOV

Commenting on a report on the disability and race pay gaps published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) yesterday (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:  

“TUC research found that disabled workers earn a whopping £2,730 a year less than their non-disabled peers, and we also know that significant pay gaps persist for black workers. So it’s good to see the EHRC recommending tough action.  

“New rules to make bosses reveal gender pay gaps have helped to shine a light on the problem. A similar move to require employers to publish their disability and race pay gaps – along with the actions they will take to close them – would be a step in the right direction. As well as guidance for employers to ensure they are consistent in how they measure and report their pay gaps."

However, the TUC would like to see the government and employers go further to address these inequalities:

• A day one right to request flexible working.
• Employers working with unions and disabled and BAME people on how to address the pay gap in their workplaces.
• Employers working with unions to ensure all staff who raise concerns about racism or discrimination at work feel confident their complaints will be taken seriously and acted upon; and to establish positive action measures to address inequalities.

Editors note

• Congress 2018 will be held in Manchester Central from Sunday 9 September to Wednesday 12 September. 
• TUC research on the disability pay gap is available at: www.tuc.org.uk/northern/news/disabled-workers-earn-%C2%A32730-year-less-average-non-disabled-workers-%E2%80%93-new-tuc-report 
• TUC research on the BAME pay gap is available at: www.tuc.org.uk/news/black-workers-degrees-earn-quarter-less-white-counterparts-finds-tuc
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 49 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.