WHY EQUAL PAY STILL MATTERS
NEW SURVEY REVEALS STARK REALITIES IN THE UK WORKPLACE
Despite decades of progress, equal pay remains an elusive goal for many workers in the UK. A recent survey by Harcus Parker, released to mark the United Nations International Equal Pay Day, sheds new light on the persistent inequality in wages, particularly between men and women. Shockingly, nearly half of UK employees believe it’s still common for men to be paid more than women, and many have faced this reality in their own workplaces.
The Unequal Pay Landscape
Our survey paints a stark picture. Over 35% of employees have quit their jobs due to unfair pay practices, and 42% have worked in environments where men were paid more than women for similar roles. The gender pay gap in the UK, while decreasing slowly, remains a significant issue. According to the Office for National Statistics, the gap has fallen from 20% in 2013 to 14% in 2023. However, this is not enough.
Damon Parker, Senior Partner at Harcus Parker, put it clearly: " While society has made progress in addressing the imbalance between what men and women get paid, there is still a long way to go."
Equal Pay in Retail: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
For in-store staff at retailers like ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Tesco, the fight for fair pay is particularly urgent. In-store workers, many of whom are women, are often paid up to £3 less per hour than warehouse workers, even though their jobs require the same level of skill and effort. This is not only unfair but also unlawful under the Equal Pay Act 1970.
At Harcus Parker, we are working with current and former employees of these retailers to file claims and demand fair compensation.
Why Employees Are Taking a Stand
The survey results reveal a growing frustration with pay inequality:
• 57% of respondents believe it is common for employers to pay men more than women.
• 25% feel they are paid less than their colleagues, despite doing the same work.
• 32% have been told by their employer not to discuss pay with their colleagues.
Perhaps most tellingly, 98% of those surveyed agreed that fair pay is important, and 92% believe men and women should be paid equally for equal work.These figures highlight that pay disparity is not just a legal issue—it’s a moral one, affecting the trust and wellbeing of employees across the country.
What Can You Do?
If you suspect you’re being underpaid, or if you’ve experienced unfair pay practices, don’t stay silent. You are not alone, and you have rights. Our legal team at Harcus Parker is here to help you take action.
Equal pay is more than just a goal—it’s a right. Together, we can close the gap.
