Warm welcome for Equalities Bill

3 December 2008 - Reacting to plans announced today in the Queen’s Speech, the Chartered Management Institute has applauded proposals to promote equality and introduce transparency in the workplace addressing the gender pay gap.

Petra Wilton, director of policy and research, at the Chartered Management Institute says:

”It may have been a long-time coming, but this is certainly a welcome and definite move in the right direction.   Today the problem is that even in sectors and functions with a high percentage of female managers, there is a distinct gap in remuneration. The implication is that women are not achieving the best paid jobs in their own field.  It is imperative that Government and organisations tackle the issue head on to ensure that career progression and reward are based on ability and achievement, rather than gender.”

Wilton continues:

“Our own research suggests that systems and measures must be put in place to meet the demands for equality.  If they don’t exist, there is a real danger that we will continue to see a rise in the number of tribunal discrimination cases.”

Research from the Chartered Management Institute has explored issues around race, gender and diversity.  Key findings have included:

-         no parity: in real terms the average female executive earned £32,614 in 2007; take home pay that is £13,655 less than the average male equivalent of £46,269

-         resignation rates: at 14.3 per cent, labour turnover amongst women is also at its highest point since 2004.  Figures also show that women are also more likely to quit their jobs (7.2 per cent compared to 5.9 per cent)

Wilton concludes:

“It is clear that lack of parity in pay remains an issue.  Despite the weight of evidence and calls for equality, we have not made sufficient progress.  The increasing likelihood for women to resign, as the Institute’s National Management Salary Survey shows, is a cause for concern.  If employers allow gender gaps to continue the knowledge gap in UK organisations will be exacerbated at the very time we are trying to challenge the skills crisis.”

To arrange interviews with Petra Wilton, or for further information on the research, call Mike Petrook on 020 7497 0496. 

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Further information:

Mike Petrook, Institute Press Office

Tel: 020 7497 0496; outside office hours: 07931 302 877

Email:press.office@managers.org.uk

Website: www.managers.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

As the champion of management, the Chartered Management Institute shapes and supports the managers of tomorrow, helping them deliver results in a dynamic world. The Institute helps set and raise standards in management, encouraging development to improve performance. Moreover, with in-depth research and regular policy surveys of its 81,000 individual members and 450 corporate members, the Institute has a deep understanding of the key issues.  The Chartered Management Institute came into being on 1 April 2002, as a result of the Institute of Management being granted a Royal Charter.