More than one third of women do not think they get equal pay in their organisation

More than one-third of women (36%) believe they do not get the same pay as men at their organisation, according to a new survey.

Ahead of International Equal Pay Day (18th September), workplace expert Acas commissioned YouGov to survey perceptions of pay equality. The survey showed that more than one-third of women believed they were not being paid as much as men. The survey also showed that just 10% of men believed they were being paid more than women.

By law, men and women must get equal pay for doing 'equal work'.

Acas's individual dispute resolution service, Early Conciliation, which helps to resolve potential employment tribunal claims, saw a 34% increase between 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces Julie Dennis said: “Having an equal pay policy can help bosses be open and clear with their staff about how they achieve equal pay and how they will resolve any pay issues.

“This can help tackle any perceptions that men are being paid more than women and help ensure employers are not breaking the law.

“Women doing equal work to their male colleagues should not be paid less and employers should be consistent when deciding people's pay and contractual terms and conditions.”

“Acas has advice for employers on setting equal pay policies, and performing an “equal pay audit” if businesses have more than 50 employees. An “equal pay review” is for businesses that have fewer than 50 staff to check for potential issues.

“Employees who believe they are not receiving equal pay should talk to their employer to try to resolve the issue. Acas also provides advice on raising the issue formally as a grievance and making an equal pay claim.