HR

'Equality Bill opportunity for recruiters'

Recruiters have an opportunity to provide practical guidance to businesses who may be finding it hard to keep abreast of new regulations in these difficult times, following the publication of the Equalities Bill.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said while it would encourage employers to diversify workforces, it would also give recruiters a key role. 

Sarah Gordon, Chair of the REC’s Diversity Forum, said: "Recruiters can be a vital component in helping employers especially SMEs who often struggle to keep up with employment legislation.

"Many recruiters are already monitoring their candidates and are providing value to their clients. Recruiters are ideally situated to provide a helping hand. The proposals should help to promote a positive attitude on the part of employers towards diversity."

The Bill includes controversial provisions that require companies to compulsorily publish the differences in pay between male and female staff.

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said: "We believe this element of the Bill is not the answer to the gender pay gap. Many employers have too few women in higher paid roles and by being forced to publish their current details, they may deter the type of applicants they would want to encourage to apply. This could compound the issue rather than help improve it.

"There are also some sectors that have been traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering, which are now taking positive steps to diversify their workforce by encouraging more women to enter the profession. However, since they will be on junior pay scales, the difference in gender pay will be misleading. The Government needs to recognise that diversifying workforces takes time."