Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 22 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 September 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 19 September 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action can be taken against companies that do not enforce an equal pay policy. - Inc ref to Equal Pay Act 1970.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action can be taken against companies that do not enforce an equal pay policy. [72855] Ms Hewitt: The Equal Pay Act 1970 imposes an obligation to pay men and women equally for the same work, work rated as equivalent and work of equal value. While employers are not legally required to have an equal pay policy, we encourage voluntary pay reviews through, for example, the Castle Awards and the Fair Pay Champions. Individuals who feel they are suffering pay discrimination on the basis of their gender are entitled to take a case to an employment tribunal under the Equal Pay Act. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), which helps to enforce sex discrimination and equal pay legislation, has the power to conduct formal investigations, and to issue non-discrimination notices where, in the course of a formal investigation, it is satisfied that the Equal Pay Act is not being complied with. The EOC also has the power to provide financial or other assistance to applicants bringing a case under the Equal Pay Act and to seek preliminary findings as to whether there may have been an infringement of the Act, and apply for an injunction to restrain persistent discrimination.

Secondary information