The Equal Opportunities Commission’s new revised Code of Practice on Equal Pay has received Parliamentary approval and will come into force on 1 December 2003.

The Code, which explains employers’ obligations on equal pay, has been revised to take account of new law and recent equal pay case decisions. It provides practical guidance for employers on how to ensure pay is determined without sex discrimination.

Julie Mellor, Chair of the EOC, said: “It’s down to employers now to check that their pay system is fair and that they are complying with the Equal Pay Act. The revised Code of Practice will help them make sure that they are rewarding competence and performance. This is in the best interests not only of their staff but also of their investors.”

The Code is admissible in evidence in any proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 or the Equal Pay Act 1970. This means that, while the Code is not binding, an employment tribunal may take into account an employer’s failure to act on its provisions.

New material contained in the revised Code includes information on equal pay for pregnant women and women on maternity leave, grievance procedures, the equal pay questionnaire and equal pay reviews.

View the PDF version of the Code of Practice on Equal Pay