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07th May 2018

Businesses in Ireland who pay women less might soon be fined for it

Olivia Hayes

Brilliant news.

The government is currently looking into new legislation that would see businesses with more than 250 employees required to report any and all differences in hourly pay rates and bonuses. It will also apply to part time workers.

If employers do not comply with the new law, they will be sanctioned and fined.

The measure, which is being put forward by the Minister of State for Equality, David Stanton, will also see some cases being brought forward to the Circuit Court for compliance orders.

The legislation will also allow for Workplace Relations Commission to conduct inspections, fines and enforcement.

Proposals for the legislation are expected to be brought before cabinet in at the end of the month, which will also mean men and women will be able to look up and find out if they are being paid differently than their work colleagues – and by how much.

If passed, it will apply not just private sector companies, but also the public service sector.

The legislation will be reviewed after five years.