UK companies have to disclose gender pay gaps. It’s not enough

The research, by the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London and the Fawcett Society, concludes that the UK’s mandatoryAccording to the UK’s Government Equalities Office, between 2017/18 and 2018/19, around half of the gender pay gaps reported by UK employers narrowed. Though, by that measure, half also either stayed the same or widened, the report authors warned.Official figures also indicate that men continue to be paid more.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that in 2020 — the latest data available — the gender pay gap stood at 15.5% in the UK, which was down slightly from 17.4% in 2019.Felicia Willow, interim chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said in a statement that more action was needed.”Gender equality is good for business, good for our economy, and good for employees. Unfortunately, this report clearly shows just how far behind the UK is from comparable countries in reducing its gender pay gap. Reporting without action is not enough.”The Government Equalities Office said in a statement to CNN Business: “The Gender Pay Gap reporting regulations have helped to motivate employers and focus attention on improving equality in the workplace. Lots of positive work has been done by employers since the scheme began, and ONS figures show that the gender pay gap stands at a record low.”