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Business groups 'will oppose plans to close gender pay gap'
Thu 27 May 2010
The government has been warned that it is likely to face opposition from business groups after pledging to close the gender pay gap.
According to the TUC, a new approach towards ending the pay disparity between men and women is "desperately needed".
However, general secretary Brendan Barber believes business groups may oppose any "genuinely bold" measures the government implements.
He has therefore urged ministers to stand up to these organisations and consult with both employers and unions on any new policies.
The Institute of Directors (IOD) admitted this week that it is "concerned" about the government's plans on tackling pay gaps, as it believes they could be "very costly".
Sue Kelly, employment partner at Winckworth Sherwood, said: "It is difficult to escape the conclusion that these comments constitute an admission that this is a very real problem and its extent.
"The experience of the public sector in handling equal pay claims is something that the private sector will do well to look at and learn from."
Miles Templeman, director general of the IOD, said this not an issue where the state should be intervening.
He added that the group will reserve judgment on the government's proposals until it has seen them in more detail.
The government announced its plans to close the gender pay gap in the Queen's Speech earlier this week.
