Goldwyns news

At the time of writing much of the business news focus is on large companies reporting their gender pay gaps and there is much debate as to the values of the calculation method, the reasons for the results and the conclusions that can be drawn. There are two different averages calculated by employers – a median average which compares the hourly rate of the middle male employee to middle female employee, and the mean average which compares the average hourly male rate to the average hourly female rate.

Some may quote Theresa May's description of the gap ("burning injustice") whilst others may prefer to use one of Disraeli's most famous quotes ("there are three kinds of lies…") and some news reports already appear to be selective in their choice of which average to quote.

Regardless, the issue is unlikely to slip away and may have an impact on all companies in future, ranging from even small companies being required to calculate and report their pay gap to significant changes to the way parents split their shared parental leave with a view to future career progression opportunities.

Equal pay has been a legal requirement since 1970 and workplaces are constantly changing as the political focus lands on different areas of business. It looks like employment matters will once again dominate the coming months and years and gives employers an opportunity to review their working practices and ensure that they are doing all they can to promote and retain the staff most important to their business, whoever they may be.