The seminars are the next stage in its campaign of support for companies as they gear up for compulsory gender pay reporting. They follow the latest Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, issued by ONS, which shows a national average full-time gender pay gap of 9.4% for 2015.
EEF research shows that gender pay gap reporting is going to be a significant challenge for many companies – less than one in ten (9%) currently report any gender pay information. There is also little understanding of the forthcoming requirements, plus the ability of companies to actually provide data is a key concern.
However, 47% of firms see gender pay reporting as an opportunity to benchmark themselves against peers and other industries, while 38% say it will help them get to grips with their pay structures and auditing.
The seminars will look to overcome concerns and boost recognition of the benefits of gender pay reporting. They will explain the Government proposals for compulsory reporting and how companies can prepare in advance. Firms will also be able to discuss their own pay gap figures and experiences of gender equality issues.
The EEF added: “Reporting is however only part of the issue – firms need to know how to go about closing the gender pay gap in their business. To provide them with ideas and fresh thinking, the seminars look at how to cultivate gender equality in a modern manufacturing workplace. Attendees will hear from a member of EEF’s Women in Manufacturing Group and get to share best practice.”
The sessions will also look at the reasons behind a rise in equal pay claims in the private sector and consider the steps needed to reduce the risk of such a claim. EEF’s employment law experts will help firms to understand how the law on equal pay works in practice.
To find out more, click here.
Meanwhile, EEF, has announced that Business Secretary, Sajid Javid, will be speaking at the National Manufacturing Conference in London, 24 February next year.
Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, said: “Our sector currently faces some significant challenges. Against this backdrop, confidence is faltering and UK manufacturers are feeling less optimistic about growth prospects next year. At this critical time, business leaders will want to hear how Government and industry can continue to work closely together to not only offset risks, but to encourage investment, boost innovation and increase productivity in this vital sector.”
Click here for details of the conference.
