A survey by workplace expert Acas has found that 20% of workers in manufacturing believe women do not get paid as much as men at their organisation.

Across all sectors, that number rises to more than one-third of women (36%) believing they are not paid the same as their male counterparts.

The YouGov survey was commissioned by Acas to mark International Equal Pay Day (18th of September) to survey perceptions of pay equality.

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. 

Acas is the leading authority on workplace relations and dispute resolution in Great Britain. We provide free, impartial advice to employers and employees on workplace rights, rules and best practice. We also provide training and tailored support for businesses that can help them succeed. Acas is a non-departmental public body that is governed by an independent Council made up of employers, employee representatives and independent members.

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