Commission welcomes landmark settlement in equal pay case

25 Apr 2014 12:43 PM

In response to the settlement of an equal pay case for a group of men who worked for Swansea Metropolitan University, a spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“Everyone is entitled to the same pay for the same job. Historically cases have tended to focus on lower pay for women, but as this case has shown equality legislation benefits everybody. 

“Unfairness can happen to anyone and we hope this case acts as a wake-up call for all employers to make sure their policies and pay levels are fair and consistent. This will help ensure workers are treated fairly and businesses are spared the expense of costly legal action.” 

Ends

For further information please contact the Commission’s media office on 0161 829 8102, out of hours 07767 272 818. 

Notes to editors

• The Commission provides advice on its website to help businesses measure and address pay gaps which can be found here: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/guidance-for-e mployers/pay-and-benefits/

• The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.  It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain.  It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.  The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. It encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act and is recognised by the UN as an ‘A status’ National Human Rights Institute.  It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.