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Equal Pay Policy Statement Consultation

We developed an Equal Pay Statement as part of our duty in relation to gender equality and the council sought the views of interested people, including employee forums and trade unions on this statement.  This consultation ended on 30 August 2007, however we received no comments.  Following consideration of the guidance on meeting the specific duty on equal pay and having taken advice from both the Equal Opportunities Commission and our external equality consultant, the Equal Pay Policy Statement is being published in draft format, subject to further consultation with the trade unions.  As part of our impact assessment process, we would like to consult with you.  Information gathered will be used to help shape the services we deliver.

The content of the Equal Pay Policy Statement is noted below.  Alternatively a PDF version of the Equal Pay Policy Statement is available for download on the top right hand side of this page. 

Please return your comments by Wednesday 10 October 2007, to the address/e-mail address in the contact box on the right hand side of the page.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Draft Equal Pay Statement  

1          Introduction

 

1.1       The public sector duty to promote gender equality requires North Lanarkshire Council to develop and publish an Equal Pay Policy Statement on how it is meeting its duty, having due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, particularly in relation to employment and pay.

 

1.2       We support the principle of equal opportunities in employment and believe that men and women should receive equal pay for the same or broadly similar work, for work rated as equivalent and for work of equal value.

 

1.3       This Equal Pay Policy Statement sets out our approach to ensuring equality of pay as part of the gender duty in line with legal requirements.

 

1.4       We applied nationally agreed job evaluation schemes which are non discriminatory and objective, to determine the value of our jobs and apply all factors equally to both men and women.

 

1.5       This Equal Pay Policy Statement is based on the key principles of equity, equality, inclusion, engagement, partnership, transparency and shared responsibility.

 

2          Aims

 

 2.1     We are committed to ensuring equal pay structures for all our employees and will continue to

 

·    Conduct regular audits to monitor the impact of our pay structure.

·    Provide training and guidance for those involved in determining pay

·    Inform employees of how their pay is determined

·    Respond to grievances on equal pay in accordance with the council's Grievance Policy and the statutory grievance provisions

·    Consult with the recognised trade unions, as appropriate

 

3          Legislation

 

3.1       This Equal Pay Policy Statement was produced taking into account and incorporating the Equal Pay Act 1970, as amended, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 as amended,  the Equality Act 2006, and the Sex Discrimination (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2007.  This Equal Pay Policy Statement contains principles that are underpinned by council policies, guidance, Codes of Practice, the council's equality schemes and national schemes such as those from the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT).

 

4          Scope

 

4.1       Job Evaluation and Single Status are part of a national agreement, (known as the Red Book Scottish Agreement) which we require to put into action locally. It was drawn up between employers and the trade unions representing local government employees in Scotland. Single Status is a collective agreement designed to promote equality and the elimination of discriminatory practices in employment. Compliance with equal pay legislation, in respect of pay and other conditions of employment is a major component of this.

 

5          Monitoring Arrangements

 

5.1       We will carry out regular monitoring of the impact of our pay practices.

 

5.2      Progress reports on the implementation of this Equal Pay Policy Statement will be published annually, as part of the arrangements for reporting on the council's Gender Equality Scheme.

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