Equal pay is about ensuring that all employees are paid fairly.
The public sector duty to promote gender equality requires us to develop and publish an Equal Pay Policy Statement on how we are meeting this duty, having due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, particularly in relation to employment and pay.
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.
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.
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.
This Equal Pay Policy Statement is based on the key principles of equity, equality, inclusion, engagement, partnership, transparency and shared responsibility.
Equal Pay Statement
Why we have an equal pay policy and who it applies to.
Aims
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
Legislation
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).
Scope
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.
Monitoring arrangements
How we ensure our equal pay activities are working.
We will carry out regular monitoring of the impact of our pay practices.
We will consult and plan actions in consultation with employees and trade unions.
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.