Discrimination ‘must be prevented by employment law change’

Posted 20/11/2009

Trade union GMB has called on the government to introduce employment law changes in order to combat the continuing problem of workplace discrimination against women.

The body has criticised UK private businesses for failing to take necessary action towards combating the issue of gender pay gaps, while endorsing the government’s forthcoming Equality Bill.

Kamaljeet Jandu, GMB’s national officer, stated that future employment law should make pay audits mandatory, suggesting that such transparency will allow for promotion of a more productive and egalitarian working culture.

Mr Jandu said the government “is right to regulate, legislate and promote a fairer workplace and a just society”.

The introduction of employment law measures to combat gender discrimination has also been backed by the union Unison, which echoed the call for equal pay audits.

Bronwyn McKenna, Unison’s director of organising and membership, said this would help to punish employers who are “stuck in the dark ages when it comes to their treatment of women”.