Wales Close the Pay Gap Campaign
Wales Close the Pay Gap Campaign
The Close the Pay Gap Campaign is calling on employers, trade unions and enterprise bodies to work together to close the pay gap between men and women in Wales. The campaign was launched in 2001 and is a collaboration between the Wales TUC, Wales Assembly Government and the Wales EOC.
Why do we need to close the gender pay gap?
During her lifetime a woman will earn over a quarter of a million pounds less than the average man - and this is without taking motherhood into account which adds another £140,000!! The pay gap is not only disastrous for women, but for everyone, because it reduces family incomes and is a contributor to poverty in Wales. The Close the Pay Gap Campaign is committed to ending this discrimination against women.
Why are women earning less than men?
· Women work in low paid sectors of the economy, such as retail and caring
· The 'glass ceiling' - men predominate in management with women clustered in the lower paid roles of organisations.
· Pay discrimination - inequality and lack of transparency in pay systems discriminates against women.
· Women still take the major responsibility for caring and domestic duties leaving them with no real choices about their working and home lives.
What are the benefits of closing the pay gap?
· Helping more women into jobs, creating better jobs, tackling poverty and improving health within the family.
· The recruitment and the retention of the best staff.
· Reducing skills' shortages by enabling women with children and other caring responsibilities to enter or remain or progress at work.
What is the Close the Pay Gap Campaign doing about it?
· We are raising awareness of the gender pay gap and advising of action that can be taken to address it.
· We are training union officers and representatives on equal pay issues.
· We are encouraging all employers to carry out equal pay reviews. These reviews show exactly where the problems are so that employers can take action to close any pay gaps.
· We are campaigning for employers to address long working hours and to promote flexible working. This will bring about more equality in the workplace with women gaining better access to work and promotion opportunities.
Getting Advice
For more information on the campaign, or advice on equal pay, please contact your trade union representative, or the Wales TUC on 02920 34 7010 - e-mail wtuc@tuc.org.uk. Further information and advice on equal pay can also be found at the following websites:-
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