Unite, the UK’s leading union, has given a qualified welcome to the government’s consultation on ensuring employers follow equal pay laws and stamp out pay discrimination.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pay discrimination is affecting thousands of women. The government’s plans are an important step, but the devil will be in the detail.

“Real progress will mean shifting the burden from workers to employers. Instead of expecting workers to fight for equal pay after the damage is done, the government should use this opportunity to prevent pay discrimination from happening at all."

“Increasing penalties on employers and bring equal pay into line with other forms of discrimination is the right way forward, but enforcement at an early stage is vital.

“The government must be bold, in the face of squeals from employers who have been discriminating against women workers for far too long. Equal pay for women must finally become a reality for all.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.