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Length of service pay schemes 'discriminatory'
HR News |
22/10/2009
HR managers might have to reassess their pay schemes after a court ruled that linking wage increases to length of service can discriminate against mothers.
Christine Wilson, an inspector with the Health and Safety Executive, claimed a pay agreement with the body was unfair as three male colleagues were being paid more than her for doing the same work.
The Court of Appeal agreed and ruled that linking pay to length of service can disadvantage women who take time out to raise children.
However, it also decided that employers do not have to justify schemes which link length of service to pay unless there is evidence that they are creating inequalities.
Commenting on the ruling, Susie Uppal, director of legal enforcement at the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), said: "Women should not be disadvantaged in the workforce because of they take time out for maternity leave or to meet caring responsibilities."
Earlier this week, a study by the EHRC revealed that offering flexible working practices could help attract talented workers as new fathers often look for jobs that offer this option.
Posted by John Lynes.
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