Weekly Issue 359

Stagnating pay gap

Figures published by the European Commission last week to mark European Equal Pay Day indicate that the gender pay gap has barely altered in the last few years.

Material factor defence

Employers can defend equal pay claims if they can show that the difference in pay is because of a “material factor”.

Required by law

Employers can defend discrimination claims under the Equality Act if they can show that the treatment was required by law.