The revised Code of Practice on Equal Pay has received parliamentary
approval and will come into force on 1 December 2003.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) code explains employers’
obligations on equal pay and has been revised to take account of new law and
recent equal pay case decisions.
Julie Mellor, chair of the EOC, said: "It’s down to employers now to
check that their pay system is fair and that they are complying with the Equal
Pay Act.
"The revised code will help them make sure that they are rewarding
competence and performance. This is in the best interests not only of their
staff but also their investors."
The code provides practical guidance on how to ensure pay is determined
without sex discrimination and is available from the EOC’s website.
While the code is not legally binding, an employment tribunal could take
into account an employer’s failure to act on its provisions.
