Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ethnicity Pay Gap

Wednesday 24 November 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed ethnicity pay gap on 2021-11-24
  • Consultation views and employer soundings inform steps to tackle ethnicity pay gap
  • Voluntary reporting of ethnicity pay gap has increased over past three years

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Women & Equalities
Context

The ethnicity pay gap is a significant issue, with research showing black workers earn 12.8% less than their white counterparts on average, and the gap widens for those with degrees.

Question

What steps are being taken to tackle the ethnicity pay gap; and if she will make a statement?

Answer from Paul Scully

We are considering views and experiences outlined in responses to the ethnicity pay reporting consultation, soundings from employers, and conclusions of the independent report. We will respond formally in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps being taken to address the ethnicity pay gap were not detailed; only a vague promise of future response was given.

How: As I Said, We Will Respond In Due Course.

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Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Women & Equalities
Context

Research from the TUC indicates that black workers earn 12.8% less on average than their white counterparts, with the gap increasing to almost one quarter for degree-holders. Multiple organisations call for mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting.

Question

Unlike the gender pay gap, there is no legal requirement for companies in the UK to publish their ethnicity pay gap. Research from the TUC has shown that black workers earn 12.8% less on average than their white counterparts, and the gap widens to almost one quarter less when comparing workers with degrees. The Labour party, the TUC, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the CBI are all calling for mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting. Can the Minister tell the House when the Government will follow suit and rectify this harmful practice?

Answer from Paul Scully

We will respond in due course. In the meantime, voluntary reporting exists and has increased over the past three years. A balance needs to be struck and we are working through consultation across the board.

Partly answered

Not addressed: A commitment to implement mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting was not provided; only a vague promise of future response and reference to voluntary reporting was given.

How: We Will Respond In Due Course.

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