Large companies required to publish information on gender pay gaps

The Equality Act 2010 contains a provision requiring employers with +250 employees in Great Britain to publish information about pay differences between male and female employees.

The Equality Act 2010 contains a provision enabling regulations to be made which would require employers with at least 250 employees in Great Britain to publish information about the differences in pay between their male and female employees. 

No such regulations have yet been made, as the Government hoped that this information would be published on a voluntary basis.  This has not happened.  An amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015, introduced by the House of Lords, now requires the Government to make the relevant regulations within 12 months after the passing of that Act, that is by 25 March 2016.

The Government will consult on the regulations, which may specify the form and timing of the publication which employers have to make and the penalties for non-compliance.  However, employers cannot be required to publish information more frequently than on an annual basis.

Neil Matthews is a Partner in Fieldfisher's Corporate Group in London.