Many workers ‘unhappy with pay gap’

Posted 08/06/2011

The majority of workers in the UK would support changes to employment law to lower the gap between the best and worst paid members of an organisation.

According to a survey conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), 78 per cent of individuals are in favour of government intervention to try and halve the rising pay divide.

On average, respondents stated a salary of around £350,000 would be fair for the chief executive of a national company, while in reality, top bosses at these firms are likely to take home £1 million a year.

IPPR director Nick Pearce stated that the poll highlighted the widespread opinion that pay inequality in the UK is not a fair reflection of the contribution individuals make to a company.

“People want to see the benefits of success more fairly shared within organisations, instead of a few top earners getting an ever bigger share of the pie,” he observed.

Recently, it was also suggested by Preethi Sundaram, policy and campaigns director at the Fawcett Society, that the government should bring forward legislation to encourage gender equality at boardroom level.

Workers who are concerned they are being treated unfairly by their employer should contact the team at Ashtons Legal to receive expert advice on their employment law rights.