Equal pay employers urged to seek 'Castle' standard

Denis Haughey, MLA and James Leslie, MLA, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, have welcomed a new UK-wide initiative, which will enable women job seekers to identify more easily employers offering them the best equal pay deal.

The Ministers, who have responsibility for equality issues, urged employers in Northern Ireland to apply for a Castle Award, the new mark of excellence rewarding employers’ work in tackling equal pay issues within their organisations.

Mr Haughey said: “The pay gap is getting narrower year on year, but this alone is not enough. A cultural change amongst employers is also necessary, if they are to properly value women’s contribution to their organisation’s success. We want to reward the excellent work being done here by employers, trades unions and individual employees to highlight and tackle equal pay issues.”

Mr Leslie said: “Women looking for a job want to know that their employer will value their skills and experience. And as working women, who are also parents, they want to know they will not miss out on opportunities at work if, for example, they attend their child’s school play. The UK Castle Awards are a mark of excellence that will come to represent the ultimate standard for those committed to equal pay.”

The Castle Awards, which were named after Barbara Castle, who introduced the Equal Pay Act in 1970 are open to individual employees as well as employers of all sizes and from all sectors.

There will be six winners over three categories, as well as awards for those highly commended. The three categories are: individuals who have significantly contributed to promoting equality and equal pay issues; organisations who are leaders in promoting equality of opportunity and equal pay issues and employers who offer sound training opportunities for part time workers.

The Awards will be presented to successful applicants at a national awards ceremony in October 2002.

(KMcA)