The gender pay gap

[Coldicote]

The so-called 'gender pay gap' is frequently in the news. Do you agree that there should be equal pay for equal work or for work of equal value? I have heard it argued that when an employer takes on an employee he is effectively making an investment in that person. Are women therefore a less valuable investment, considering that they may have expensive training and then often leave the job for family reasons. Is that view justified and what would be your solution to the argument?

[Addy123]

Well I'm a woman and I don't have any family, nor do I intend to!

And equality works both ways really. In the oast I have employed and had to accomodate a man who was the sole carer for his son. He needed the job and he did it well, but he got the same consideration as a female if his son was ill and he needed time off etc.

The value of the "investment" should never be weighed up based on gender, I think you will find that's why they made it illegal to do so?

There's an interesting article on page 28 of todays Daily Express outlining reserach showing women will have to wait another 57 years to be paid equal to men!

I happen to know that I am paid £12,000 less than a male counterpart...and yet I do the same job (in fact for a bigger team). Luckily I like the company and feel the opportunities afforded me by the company are worth putting up with the disparity-I am about to be promoted, but whether that will come with a £12,000 pay rise is anyone's guess.

My solution personally is that when I am employing someone, I consider their skilld, their experience and their culturaa values (hard working, honest, passionate etc). One thing I NEVER consider is their gender.

[Coldicote]

An interesting answer Addy, thank you. Your views expressed here lead me to hope for you that promotion will close the pay gap. I've often pondered on the question of whether people are for work, or is work for people! Interesting to hear other views.