Acas urges businesses to
avoid tribunal claims by establishing fair pay and grading systems
ADVISORY,
CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICE News Release issued by COI
News Distribution Service. 1 September 2008
Acas, the
employment relations service, has launched a new guide to help
make businesses less vulnerable to equal pay claims through the
use of job evaluation. The guide, which considers the benefits and
risks of undertaking job evaluation, explains how a job evaluation
risk analysis should be established and implemented.
Job evaluation - which determines the relative importance of a
number of different jobs whilst avoiding prejudice or
discrimination - can be a complex process. This guide will help
managers and employee representatives decide whether introducing a
job evaluation structure is feasible and appropriate for their business.
The new Job Evaluation advice booklet is launched as the 2008
Acas' annual report shows a 25 per cent rise in employment
tribunals and potential employment tribunal claims. This rise was
partly attributed to equal pay claims.
Frank Blair, Director Acas Scotland, who has developed the guide,
commented: "Employers sometimes find it hard to justify their
grading and pay systems. Putting in place a job evaluation scheme
can remedy this and can also help prevent equality and HR-related
problems from arising."
"However, Acas is urging businesses to be fully prepared
before embarking on introducing job evaluation. A good number of
the difficulties encountered by organisations will be avoided by
adequate preparation. The booklet gives advice on the level of
preparation required, which if undertaken properly, will create
strong business benefits."
The guide can be downloaded for free at http://www.acas.org.uk.
For further information on job evaluation and any other aspect of
employment relations visit http://www.acas.org.uk.
Benefits of job evaluation:
* Cornerstone of a fair and
equitable pay system
* Facilitates the introduction of new or
changed jobs
* Offers a defense against Employment Tribunal
claims of pay discrimination
* Supports recruitment and
retention
* Prevents stereotyping of jobs and roles.
Notes to editors
1. Acas' aim is to improve
organisations and working life through better employment
relations. It provides information, advice, training and a range
of services working with employers and employees to prevent or
resolve problems and improve performance. It is an independent
statutory body governed by a Council consisting of the Acas Chair
and employer, trade union and independent members.
2. The advisory booklet Job evaluation: considerations and risks
can be ordered from Acas Publications by calling 08702 42 90 90
and costs £3.95 per copy.
For press enquiries please contact:
* Alexis Molyneux-Brand:
020 7072 4111: amolyneux-brand@gciuk.com
* Will Spratt: 020
7072 4061: wspratt@gciuk.com
Acas National
Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London
SE1 1LW
http://www.acas.org.uk