CIPD Ireland - the umbrella body for human resource and learning & development professionals in Ireland - has welcomed the publication by Government of the Gender Pay Gap Reporting Bill 2019.

The recent Pay and Employment Practices Survey from CIPD Ireland and IRN found that only a quarter of companies in Ireland admitted to having a gender pay gap. The same study also found that only one in five companies had calculated the scale of the problem within their own organisation.

The gender pay gap in Ireland -  the differential between the average pay of males and females within a company - is estimated at an average of 14%

Director of CIPD Ireland, Mary Connaughton says, “We’re pleased this legislation is being prioritised. The fact that employers will soon be required to explain the reasons for their Gender Pay Gap and what they’re doing to address it are welcome features of the Bill. However, employers will need supports to be put in place to help them comply with the new laws. Because of this, we’re calling for further consultation on the timeline and detail of the legislation”.

The Gender Pay Gap Bill 2019, when passed, will initially apply to companies with a workforce of 250 or more, and over time it will apply to all companies with a workforce of 50 or more.

CIPD Ireland is now encouraging management at Irish firms to actively engage with their HR departments to ensure the issue is addressed before legislation is passed by the Oireachtas.

Mary Connaughton says 'While the details of this Bill are being finalised, it’s an opportunity for management and HR departments at businesses around the country to plan for what’s coming down the road.  Our surveys have shown a marked reluctance to date among firms to address their Gender Pay Gap. This Bill is another important step on the road to addressing the issue in the Irish workplace'.