CBI comments on gender pay gap reporting deadline - April 2018

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“Gender pay gap reporting is an opportunity for businesses to drive change in their workplaces. For the first time, every larger firm will know the average pay difference between men and women in their company.   What gets measured gets changed - helping to develop more inclusive workplaces and support more women into senior roles.

“There’s nothing more important for firms than attracting and retaining the best possible people. Companies want to close the gender pay gap.  They have plenty of good practice to draw on – from great flexible working policies, to widening recruitment and engaging with schools to inspire young women into STEM subjects.

“It’s important that the gender pay gap is not confused with unequal pay, which is already illegal.

“Firms have had plenty of warning and have no excuse for failing to submit their gender pay gap data accurately and on time. But businesses can’t close the gap by themselves.  Many of the causes of the gender pay gap lie outside the workplace, and will require a partnership between companies and Government if we are to deliver long-term, lasting change.”