Recommendations & Conclusions
37 items
1
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
The Government acted at considerable speed to design and implement schemes to protect jobs, and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self- Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) have provided a vital safety net to millions of people. However, the design of these schemes overlooked - and in some respects …
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The Government acted at considerable speed to design and implement schemes to protect jobs, and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self- Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) have provided a vital safety net to millions of people. However, the design of these schemes overlooked - and in some respects continues to overlook - the specific and well-understood labour market and caring inequalities faced by women. This demonstrates the importance of equality analyses.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the importance of evidence on inequalities, stating that advice to Ministers already included analysis of protected characteristics as per legal requirements. However, it rejects publishing this information due to the need for confidential policy discussions.
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Government Equalities Office
2
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that schemes to support employees and the self-employed should be informed by an Equality Impact Assessment, drawing on evidence of existing inequalities. The Government must conduct and publish Equality Impact Assessments of the CJRS and the SEISS alongside its response to this Report. We believe this approach would …
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We recommend that schemes to support employees and the self-employed should be informed by an Equality Impact Assessment, drawing on evidence of existing inequalities. The Government must conduct and publish Equality Impact Assessments of the CJRS and the SEISS alongside its response to this Report. We believe this approach would better protect those already at disadvantage in the labour market, including women, and could inform more effective responses to future crises.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, agreeing that policies should be informed by evidence on inequalities and stating that advice to Ministers already includes such analysis in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty. However, it explicitly rejects the call to conduct and publish Equality …
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Government Equalities Office
3
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We are concerned that the Government’s priorities for recovery are heavily gendered in nature. Investment plans that are skewed towards male-dominated sectors have the potential to create unequal outcomes for men and women, exacerbating existing inequalities.
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We are concerned that the Government’s priorities for recovery are heavily gendered in nature. Investment plans that are skewed towards male-dominated sectors have the potential to create unequal outcomes for men and women, exacerbating existing inequalities.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the conclusion, stating that advice to Ministers already includes analysis of protected characteristics in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty. It asserts that it is not for the government to undertake economic growth assessments of independent organisation's proposals, and defends the …
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Government Equalities Office
4
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
The Treasury must provide Equality Impact Assessments for the Industrial Strategy and ‘New Deal’. These should include a Gender Beneficiary Assessment of investments from the industrial strategy to date, including receipts of grants, gender occupational composition of companies operating infrastructure contracts, innovation grants and training participants and outcomes. The Treasury …
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The Treasury must provide Equality Impact Assessments for the Industrial Strategy and ‘New Deal’. These should include a Gender Beneficiary Assessment of investments from the industrial strategy to date, including receipts of grants, gender occupational composition of companies operating infrastructure contracts, innovation grants and training participants and outcomes. The Treasury should also undertake an economic growth assessment of the Women’s Budget Group’s care-led recovery proposals. We recommend the Government publish these assessments within six months.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating that advice to Ministers includes equality analysis in confidence, which is in line with legal requirements, and that it is not for the government to assess independent organisations' proposals.
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Government Equalities Office
5
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
Women are traditionally under-represented in sectors that have been singled out for Government investment, such as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and construction. More must be done to tackle gender inequalities in representation and career progression in these male-dominated sectors so that women do not lose out in the …
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Women are traditionally under-represented in sectors that have been singled out for Government investment, such as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and construction. More must be done to tackle gender inequalities in representation and career progression in these male-dominated sectors so that women do not lose out in the recovery.
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Government response AI summary
The government states its approach ensures everyone benefits from growth areas like STEM, describing existing schemes like Kickstart, ongoing promotional work, and work coach efforts to increase female candidates. It also highlights existing skills support for women to retrain.
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Government Equalities Office
6
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We recommend the Government fund training schemes specifically aimed at women in the Digital, AI, and the Green Economy through its Kickstart, New Training Fund and Restart programmes.
Government response AI summary
The Government rejected the recommendation, stating that Restart is an open-specification program for all participants, and Kickstart is a job creation scheme for young people, not suitable for specific targeting as a training scheme for women.
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Government Equalities Office
7
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Deferred
We recommend the Government amend the Flexible Working Regulations 2014, to remove the 26-weeks’ service threshold for employees to request flexible working arrangements. The pandemic has clearly demonstrated that it is unhelpful and unnecessary. (Paragraph 29) 40 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact
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We recommend the Government amend the Flexible Working Regulations 2014, to remove the 26-weeks’ service threshold for employees to request flexible working arrangements. The pandemic has clearly demonstrated that it is unhelpful and unnecessary. (Paragraph 29) 40 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact
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Government response AI summary
The government is "considering" the recommendation, agreeing with the principle of increasing flexible working access, and committed to issuing a consultation on making flexible working the default "in due course," deferring specific action on the requested amendment.
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Government Equalities Office
8
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
The Government should publish the draft Employment Bill by the end of June 2021. The draft Bill must take into account the recommendations made throughout this report. (Paragraph 31) Benefits and Social Security
Government response AI summary
The government partially accepted the recommendation, committing to bringing forward an Employment Bill when parliamentary time allows (deferring the deadline) and considering the report's recommendations as part of the reforms.
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Government Equalities Office
9
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
The design of Universal Credit creates risks for women’s financial independence, which can have severe consequences for women in abusive relationships. These risks have been heightened over the pandemic as other opportunities for economic support have been limited. They now also affect many more households given the rise in claimant …
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The design of Universal Credit creates risks for women’s financial independence, which can have severe consequences for women in abusive relationships. These risks have been heightened over the pandemic as other opportunities for economic support have been limited. They now also affect many more households given the rise in claimant numbers.
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Government response AI summary
The government describes existing tools and resources, such as the District Provision Tool, Complex Needs Toolkits, and Bite Size learning products, which are available to work coaches to identify claimant needs and provide support. It also notes that UC guidance is published annually.
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Government Equalities Office
10
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
The Department for Work and Pensions must urgently conduct or commission research to develop its understanding of the gendered impact of Universal Credit design, including the wait for the first payment; the single household payment structure; joint eligibility assessment; and the single earnings disregard. We recommend this research be commenced …
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The Department for Work and Pensions must urgently conduct or commission research to develop its understanding of the gendered impact of Universal Credit design, including the wait for the first payment; the single household payment structure; joint eligibility assessment; and the single earnings disregard. We recommend this research be commenced within two months of publication of this Report.
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses "A Plan for Jobs" supporting unemployed people, including women, through schemes like Kickstart and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, and cross-government collaboration to support UC claimants with barriers like childcare. However, it does not commit to conducting or commissioning research into the gendered …
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Government Equalities Office
11
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
We recommend the Department for Work and Pensions commit to maintaining the increases in support that have been provided during the pandemic until the end of the pandemic, including the £20 increase in standard allowance for Universal Credit.
Government response AI summary
The government accepted in part, committing to maintain the £20 per week increase to Universal Credit for a further six months, and providing a one-off £500 payment for Working Tax Credits claimants.
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Government Equalities Office
12
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We find it implausible that it is operationally impossible to increase the rates of legacy benefits by the equivalent amount of the increase in Universal Credit. We recommend the Government immediately increase legacy benefit rates by the equivalent amount.
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We find it implausible that it is operationally impossible to increase the rates of legacy benefits by the equivalent amount of the increase in Universal Credit. We recommend the Government immediately increase legacy benefit rates by the equivalent amount.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating the £20 UC uplift was for pandemic-related income falls which did not affect legacy benefit claimants, and they have no plans to extend it.
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Government Equalities Office
13
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
Appropriate and clear guidance to Jobcentre Plus work coaches is vital, given pre-pandemic research which found that mothers subject to Universal Credit conditionality felt that their caring responsibilities were disregarded. We were unable to find specific guidance to work coaches on emergency childcare easements, beyond the very general guidance in …
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Appropriate and clear guidance to Jobcentre Plus work coaches is vital, given pre-pandemic research which found that mothers subject to Universal Credit conditionality felt that their caring responsibilities were disregarded. We were unable to find specific guidance to work coaches on emergency childcare easements, beyond the very general guidance in the entirely inadequate Equality Impact Assessment of the decision to reinstate conditionality. We recommend the DWP provide such guidance to us in response to this Report and to work coaches as a matter of urgency.
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Government response AI summary
The Government rejected the recommendation, stating that specific emergency childcare easements and guidance are already available to DWP Work Coaches via their intranet and training, and the UC guidance library is publicly available through the House of Commons Library.
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Government Equalities Office
14
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
Job vacancies remain depressed and women with caring responsibilities require targeted job search support. Maintaining mothers’ attachment to the labour market and increasing the opportunities to retrain for jobs in viable sectors is critical. DWP must expand and tailor its offer for mothers seeking employment, so that it encompasses retraining …
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Job vacancies remain depressed and women with caring responsibilities require targeted job search support. Maintaining mothers’ attachment to the labour market and increasing the opportunities to retrain for jobs in viable sectors is critical. DWP must expand and tailor its offer for mothers seeking employment, so that it encompasses retraining and re-skilling for jobs in the most viable sectors. This should be maintained for the duration of the pandemic as a minimum.
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Government response AI summary
The Government accepts the recommendation, stating that DWP Work coaches are already helping mothers access support through expanded employment schemes like Kickstart and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, and cross-government collaboration aims to support claimants into priority sectors.
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Government Equalities Office
15
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
While changes to the availability for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) have benefited many, it has also thrown into sharp relief the demographics of those who are not eligible, and for whom the level of SSP provides an inadequate safety net. Women are over- represented in this demographic, and we are …
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While changes to the availability for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) have benefited many, it has also thrown into sharp relief the demographics of those who are not eligible, and for whom the level of SSP provides an inadequate safety net. Women are over- represented in this demographic, and we are concerned that the Treasury seems both unaware and uninterested in the evidence showing this. (Paragraph 64) Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact 41
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the conclusion, asserting that SSP is part of a wider welfare safety net and that a 2019 consultation on reforming SSP, including extending it to those below the lower earnings limit, received a good response and will have a response issued shortly.
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Government Equalities Office
16
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We urge the Government to conduct a study to examine the adequacy of, and eligibility for, Statutory Sick Pay. Such a study should be published within three months, alongside an equality impact analysis. This should be done alongside our recommendation for all workers on zero-hour contracts to be able to …
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We urge the Government to conduct a study to examine the adequacy of, and eligibility for, Statutory Sick Pay. Such a study should be published within three months, alongside an equality impact analysis. This should be done alongside our recommendation for all workers on zero-hour contracts to be able to claim SSP, as set out in our Report on Unequal impact? Coronavirus and BAME people. (Paragraph 65) Young people
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating existing SSP eligibility and referring to a 2019 consultation on reforming SSP, including extending it to those below the lower earnings limit, with a response to be issued shortly, rather than committing to a new study.
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Government Equalities Office
17
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Acknowledged
Prior to the pandemic, young people faced a number of challenges including relatively high unemployment, an overrepresentation in forms of insecure work, and long-term issues of low pay and slow career progression. The Government’s flagship apprenticeship programme, intended to boost both employment and progression, suffered from a number of gender …
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Prior to the pandemic, young people faced a number of challenges including relatively high unemployment, an overrepresentation in forms of insecure work, and long-term issues of low pay and slow career progression. The Government’s flagship apprenticeship programme, intended to boost both employment and progression, suffered from a number of gender inequality issues (including pay and occupational segregation) that remained unresolved. The pandemic has both exposed and exacerbated the economic vulnerability of young people, given their over concentration in shut down sectors, and in insecure work.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the issue of occupational segregation by gender in apprenticeships and states its commitment to improving parity. It highlights existing consideration of equality in apprenticeship design and notes an increase in female representation in STEM apprenticeships, while also describing new Skills Bootcamps, some …
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Government Equalities Office
18
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
We recommend that the Government mainstream equality into the design of apprenticeships and worked-based learning and actively challenge occupational segregation by gender. It must publish a gender equality plan for its apprenticeship programme and an action plan to increase the number of women in STEM apprenticeships.
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We recommend that the Government mainstream equality into the design of apprenticeships and worked-based learning and actively challenge occupational segregation by gender. It must publish a gender equality plan for its apprenticeship programme and an action plan to increase the number of women in STEM apprenticeships.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to publish a new gender equality plan, stating they already mainstream equality into apprenticeship design, actively challenge gender segregation, and have observed increasing female representation in STEM apprenticeships due to current practices.
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Government Equalities Office
19
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government establish quotas for women in its Kickstart scheme.
Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses gender pay gap reporting regulations and extended deadlines, failing to address the recommendation regarding establishing quotas for women in the Kickstart scheme.
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Government Equalities Office
20
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We recommend that DWP introduce training for Jobcentre Plus work coaches on supporting applicants into gender ‘atypical’ jobs. (Paragraph 80) Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses support for disabled people in employment, the voluntary reporting framework for disability, and the ethnicity pay reporting consultation, but does not address the recommendation for DWP to introduce training for Jobcentre Plus work coaches on supporting applicants into gender 'atypical' jobs.
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Government Equalities Office
21
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We are gravely concerned by evidence detailing potentially unlawful and discriminatory practices towards pregnant women and those on maternity leave during the pandemic. This should have been better anticipated by the government at the beginning of the pandemic and preventative actions taken. It cannot be allowed to continue. The Government …
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We are gravely concerned by evidence detailing potentially unlawful and discriminatory practices towards pregnant women and those on maternity leave during the pandemic. This should have been better anticipated by the government at the beginning of the pandemic and preventative actions taken. It cannot be allowed to continue. The Government must act now to prevent further discrimination, particularly as we enter a time of potentially unprecedented job losses, to which pregnant women and new mothers may be particularly vulnerable.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses support for disabled people in employment and the status of ethnicity pay reporting consultations, but it completely fails to address the recommendation regarding discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers.
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Government Equalities Office
22
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We urge the Government to introduce legislation in this Parliamentary session to extend redundancy protection to pregnant women and new mothers. The Government must also publish a cross-departmental strategy, following consultation with stakeholders, for dealing with pregnancy and maternity discrimination. We recommend this strategy be published within the next six …
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We urge the Government to introduce legislation in this Parliamentary session to extend redundancy protection to pregnant women and new mothers. The Government must also publish a cross-departmental strategy, following consultation with stakeholders, for dealing with pregnancy and maternity discrimination. We recommend this strategy be published within the next six months. (Paragraph 93) Childcare
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details the collection and publication of redundancy data by the Insolvency Service and ONS, but it does not address the recommendation to introduce legislation for extending redundancy protection for pregnant women and new mothers, or to publish a cross-departmental strategy on maternity …
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Government Equalities Office
23
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
A reliable and affordable childcare system is a prerequisite of a gender equal economy and a gender equal recovery from the pandemic. Yet, the childcare sector could 42 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact hardly have been in worse financial shape on the eve of the pandemic and …
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A reliable and affordable childcare system is a prerequisite of a gender equal economy and a gender equal recovery from the pandemic. Yet, the childcare sector could 42 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact hardly have been in worse financial shape on the eve of the pandemic and a system already not working for many parents buckled during the pandemic. A chronic lack of investment has resulted in long-standing workforce and financial challenges for the early years sector.
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Government response AI summary
The government describes over £3.5 billion annually for early education entitlements, a £44 million investment for 2021-22, a pledged £1 billion fund for high-quality childcare, and a £220 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme. It also states it is continuing to work with the early …
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Government Equalities Office
24
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
Given this backdrop, many childcare providers were vulnerable to the economic turmoil generated by the pandemic. The Government’s financial support for the sector has not been sufficiently generous nor has it been targeted to the specific needs of providers. Even with Government support, the significant drop off in private fees …
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Given this backdrop, many childcare providers were vulnerable to the economic turmoil generated by the pandemic. The Government’s financial support for the sector has not been sufficiently generous nor has it been targeted to the specific needs of providers. Even with Government support, the significant drop off in private fees means many providers are likely to have run at a significant loss. Given that women make up the vast majority of the childcare workforce, and that mothers continue to bear the main responsibility for childcare, there is a clear gendered impact. The Government must commit to urgent short-term financial support and a sustainable and holistic long-term strategy.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights over £3.5 billion annually for early education entitlements, a £44 million investment for 2021-22 for childcare providers, a pledged £1 billion fund, and a £220 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme. It states it is continuing to work with the early years …
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Government Equalities Office
25
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We recommend the Government publish, by June 2021, an early years strategy which sets out how childcare provision can best support not only working parents, but also those who are job-seeking and re-training. The review must also consider the feasibility of extending eligibility for free childcare provision for children under …
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We recommend the Government publish, by June 2021, an early years strategy which sets out how childcare provision can best support not only working parents, but also those who are job-seeking and re-training. The review must also consider the feasibility of extending eligibility for free childcare provision for children under the age of three years. (Paragraph 116) Embedding equalities and improving equality data
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to publish an early years strategy and extend free childcare eligibility for under-threes, stating that existing childcare support and entitlements are sufficient. It justifies the current age eligibility by citing data on mothers returning to work when children turn three …
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Government Equalities Office
26
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We are concerned that the Government Equalities Office (GEO) did not anticipate how inequalities were likely to be exacerbated by the pandemic and ensure that it influenced the policy response, including in relation to employment, welfare, childcare and pregnancy and maternity. We have seen little evidence that the Government has …
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We are concerned that the Government Equalities Office (GEO) did not anticipate how inequalities were likely to be exacerbated by the pandemic and ensure that it influenced the policy response, including in relation to employment, welfare, childcare and pregnancy and maternity. We have seen little evidence that the Government has conducted any robust or meaningful analysis of the gendered impact of its economic policies during the Coronavirus crisis. This was a crucial opportunity for the GEO to realise its strategic objective to “put equalities at the heart of Government”, by working with Departments to embed gender-sensitive measures in the policy responses to Coronavirus. We have little confidence that the GEO has either understood this to be their role or sought to fulfil it.
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Government response AI summary
The government details the Equality Hub's goal to ensure evidence-based measures, considering various characteristics and data gaps through the Equality Data Programme and ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce. It also references gender pay gap reporting, but does not directly address the committee's specific concerns about the …
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Government Equalities Office
27
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Not Addressed
We were concerned to hear the Minister for Equalities repeatedly refer to considering the effects of policies “in the round” in response to questions about the gendered impact of the Government’s policies. We are deeply concerned that a GEO Minister should appear dismissive of the imperative to consider the effects …
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We were concerned to hear the Minister for Equalities repeatedly refer to considering the effects of policies “in the round” in response to questions about the gendered impact of the Government’s policies. We are deeply concerned that a GEO Minister should appear dismissive of the imperative to consider the effects of policies on those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Such consideration is a legal requirement clearly set out in the Act’s Public Sector Equality Duty. While we acknowledge that the Government intends to take a “new approach to tackling inequality”, it has a continuing legal duty to ensure its policies and decisions do not adversely affect groups of people with protected characteristics. We are scrutinising the Government’s “new approach to fairness” in a separate inquiry.
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Government response AI summary
The government details the Equality Hub's goal to base fairness measures on evidence, considering various characteristics and data gaps through the Equality Data Programme and ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce. It also mentions supporting gender pay gap reporting, but does not directly address the committee's specific …
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Government Equalities Office
28
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Acknowledged
We believe the GEO must take a more proactive role in mainstreaming gender equality in policy development across all Government departments. We urge the GEO and the Minister for Women and Equalities to be much more ambitious in co- ordinating equalities strategies and holding departments to account on equalities. The …
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We believe the GEO must take a more proactive role in mainstreaming gender equality in policy development across all Government departments. We urge the GEO and the Minister for Women and Equalities to be much more ambitious in co- ordinating equalities strategies and holding departments to account on equalities. The Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact 43 GEO’s strategy plan for 2020–2021 must reflect these proactive policy development priorities and demonstrate clear key performance indicators for achieving them.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the importance of mainstreaming equality, outlining the Equality Hub's role in using data programs and ensuring departments set measurable equality objectives within their new Outcome Delivery Plans, but without committing to new, specific, and more ambitious actions or KPIs.
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Government Equalities Office
29
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted
Robust equalities data is crucial to effective policy responses. We have been frustrated by the lack of data disaggregated by sex and other protected characteristics. The lack of intersectional data in large government data sets continues to frustrate meaningful analysis.
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Robust equalities data is crucial to effective policy responses. We have been frustrated by the lack of data disaggregated by sex and other protected characteristics. The lack of intersectional data in large government data sets continues to frustrate meaningful analysis.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Equality Hub's goal is to ensure evidence-based measures through an Equality Data Programme that will improve understanding of individuals across the UK, alongside the ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce to close data gaps. It also notes departments are asked to include specific …
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Government Equalities Office
30
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
We recommend the Government require all departments to collect and publish data disaggregated by sex and protected characteristics in a way that facilitates reporting and analysis on how, for example, gender, ethnicity, disability, age and socio-economic status interact, and can compound disadvantage.
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We recommend the Government require all departments to collect and publish data disaggregated by sex and protected characteristics in a way that facilitates reporting and analysis on how, for example, gender, ethnicity, disability, age and socio-economic status interact, and can compound disadvantage.
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Government response AI summary
The Government outlined its Equality Data Programme and ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce to improve data collection and understanding. It also committed to requiring departments to publish specific and measurable equality objectives in their Outcome Delivery Plans.
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Government Equalities Office
31
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We were disappointed that the Government chose to suspend, rather than delay, gender pay gap reporting and enforcement for this year. Given the high number of women who have been furloughed or worked reduced hours due to caring responsibilities, and the evidence of continuing gender inequality in other areas, this …
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We were disappointed that the Government chose to suspend, rather than delay, gender pay gap reporting and enforcement for this year. Given the high number of women who have been furloughed or worked reduced hours due to caring responsibilities, and the evidence of continuing gender inequality in other areas, this should have been a time for more - not less - transparency.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the committee's disappointment, explaining that the EHRC extended the gender pay gap reporting deadline for 2020/21 by six months due to the unprecedented impact of the pandemic on businesses, asserting this was the right and sensible decision.
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Government Equalities Office
32
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that gender pay gap reporting be urgently reinstated, with reporting for the financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21 required in April 2021.
Government response AI summary
The government partially accepted, stating that gender pay gap reporting was never legally suspended but enforcement was. The EHRC extended the 2020/21 reporting deadline to October 2021, rather than the recommended April 2021.
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Government Equalities Office
33
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Deferred
We recommend the GEO and EHRC explore the feasibility of reporting on parental leave policies in addition to gender gaps in furlough and redundancies for 2020/21 to supplement the information on pay and bonuses. We also urge the Government to support The Equal Pay (Implementation and Claims) Bill.
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We recommend the GEO and EHRC explore the feasibility of reporting on parental leave policies in addition to gender gaps in furlough and redundancies for 2020/21 to supplement the information on pay and bonuses. We also urge the Government to support The Equal Pay (Implementation and Claims) Bill.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is 'considering' the matter and will publish its formal response in due course to a July 2019 consultation on proposals to require large employers to publish their parental leave and pay policies. The response does not address the recommendation to support …
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Government Equalities Office
34
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
There have been growing calls for ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting. The unequal economic effects of the pandemic have demonstrated the imperative to introduce these measures.
Government response AI summary
The government rejected the imperative for disability pay reporting, citing existing support programs and a voluntary reporting framework. For ethnicity pay reporting, they are still analyzing consultation data on methodological complexities and will respond in due course.
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Government Equalities Office
35
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
The Government should publish proposals for introducing ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting within the next six months.
Government response AI summary
The government rejected publishing proposals for disability pay gap reporting, highlighting existing support programs and a voluntary framework. For ethnicity pay gap reporting, they stated they are still analyzing data from a methodology testing exercise and will respond to the consultation in due course, thus …
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Government Equalities Office
36
Conclusion
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
Whilst we appreciate the greater ‘reach’ of the ONS data, the HR1 form would provide valuable (and complementary) real time data, with which to analyse those most at risk of redundancy before policy decisions are implemented.
Government response AI summary
The Government rejected the conclusion, stating that HR1 forms are not an appropriate way to collect the recommended information due to data limitations, and highlighted existing ONS data on redundancies by sex, age, qualification, ethnicity, and disability.
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Government Equalities Office
37
Recommendation
Fifth report: Unequal impact? Coronavir…
Rejected
We recommend the Government amend the HR1 form to require information about the sex, race, and if possible other protected characteristics of staff. (Paragraph 146) 44 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact
Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to amend the HR1 form to collect information on sex, race, and other protected characteristics, stating the form is not an appropriate way to collect this data due to its limitations. It instead points to existing ONS data on redundancies …
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Government Equalities Office