In response to last week's Office of National Statistics pay figures, which show the full time gender pay gap remains a stubborn 17.2%, and the part-time pay gap 35.6%, Baroness Margaret Prosser, deputy Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said,
"The pay gap between men and women is closing at snail's pace. Even taking into account today's tiny improvement, it will still take at least two decades to resolve this injustice. Women who work full time are cheated of around £330,000 over the course of their lifetime. This is blatant unfairness.
This is not just about an extra pair of shoes for a night out. Nationwide, women are less able to save for a pension, leaving them poverty stricken in old age. The low wages of many single mums leaves them struggling to pay the household bills.
Sadly, the Commission's new research shows only one in five women know they can challenge unfair treatment in the courts. Therefore, the Commission is asking for the power to take 'representative actions' so vulnerable individuals will not have to stand alone in the courts. Their victories will bring change for many.
Our three decades old legislation is crying out for reform. With the Government conducting a review of anti-discrimination legislation, now's the time to drag the Equal Pay Act into the twenty-first century."
Notes to editors:
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The average woman working full time loses out on around £330,000 over the course of her lifetime. There are currently over 44,000 equal pay claims lodged with the employment tribunal system, an increase of about 150 percent on last year.
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The Equality and Human Rights Commission is calling for the power to take group actions or "representative actions" so organisations like the new Commission can take cases on behalf of groups of individuals.
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In the coming months the Equality and Human Rights Commission will be applying its knowledge and experience identifying the causes of and solutions to the gender pay gap to disability and ethnicity pay gaps.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.
Further details
For more information, call Kristine Ziwica in the Equality and Human Rights Commission press office at 02031170251 or at kristine.ziwica@equalityhumanrights.com.
The Office of National Statistics pay figures
The pay figures are availalble at the Office of National Statistics website.