Equal pay is an aspect of sex discrimination law and has been in force for over 40 years. It gives the right for men and women to be paid the same for the same, or equivalent, work. Where men and women are paid at different rates for the same, or similar, work, the employer must prove that there is a reason for it which is not gender-related.
In spite of the legislation, there is still a significant gender gap in pay1. The reasons for this are many and complex and include historical notions about men being the ‘breadwinner’ in a family, higher value being accorded to jobs requiring traditionally ‘male’ qualities, the concentration of women in certain job roles, the concentration of women in part-time roles, childcare requirements and women missing out on promotion opportunities owing to maternity leave.