Organisations with a headcount of 250 or more should still report their gender pay gap figures by Sunday 4 April 2021. However, enforcement of this has been delayed by six months, in recognition of the impact of the pandemic on organisations. Gender pay gap reporting enforcement was suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Claire McCartney, senior resourcing and inclusion adviser at the CIPD, said:

"We welcome the announcement from the EHRC confirming gender pay gap reporting enforcement won’t be suspended this year. However, we have concerns that delayed enforcement could send the wrong signal to employers that reporting can go on the backburner.

"Economically, women have been adversely and disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Now is not the time for employers to take their foot of the pedal when it comes to their commitment to closing the gender pay gap.

"The earlier that employers report their findings, the better position they will be in to take action and make meaningful change. What’s more, we’ve heard anecdotally from many of our members that they are confident about meeting the April reporting deadline.

"This year – more than ever – it’s really important that employers don’t just report their numbers; they need to publish an accompanying narrative and action plan as well. The pandemic will have had an impact on their figures. They will need to understand and explain this, and set out how they plan to improve gender equality and tackle pay gaps where they exist."

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