Pay Inequalities 2023-10-25
2023-10-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about existing discussions on tackling pay disparities and seeks to understand recent Cabinet conversations.
What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling pay inequalities in the labour market. The MP wants to know how the government plans to address these issues.
Owing to my joint roles—I am also Secretary of State for Business and Trade—I have a unique understanding of unjust pay disparities, and I am proud of the steps that this Government have taken to tackle them. We will publish new guidance in April to help employers measure, report on and address unfair ethnicity pay differences.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked specifically about discussions with Cabinet colleagues, but the answer focused on upcoming guidance instead of discussing recent meetings or decisions made by Cabinet.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP refers to US states implementing policies that ban employers from asking about salary histories, which has helped reduce pay inequalities. The MP inquires why similar measures are not being pursued.
Nineteen US states have banned employers from asking prospective employees about their salary history. This has had a massive impact on tackling unequal pay for women and black workers. Having talked about piloting a similar measure, why have the Government appeared to stall?
We are not stalling. Our pilot will support employers to take steps towards transparency in their own organisations, to see the impact for themselves. We know that this is not straightforward, which is why we will ensure that employers looking to implement greater transparency in their recruitment processes are able to access best practice and learn from each other.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP questioned why there has been a delay in implementing the pilot scheme. The answer did not directly address this issue but rather defended the government's approach without acknowledging any delays or stalling.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Government has published guidance on measuring the ethnicity pay gap but does not plan to mandate such reporting. The MP asks whether the Government will legislate or devolve employment law.
Despite acknowledging the value of measuring the ethnicity pay gap, the UK Government will not legislate for mandatory reporting. Since employment law is a reserved matter, will the Minister urge her Government to do the right thing and mandate ethnicity pay gap reporting, or urge the devolution of employment law to Scotland?
Absolutely not. This is something that we will not be devolving and it absolutely should not be mandatory. Ethnicity pay gaps cannot be measured in the same way as gender pay gaps. We have published guidance for those employers who want to do this, but it would be absolutely wrong to mandate.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about legislative action or devolution of powers. The answer did not address these points but instead reiterated the government's position against mandatory reporting and devolution.
Response accuracy