News & events
SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYER AS EQUAL PAY CLAIMS SOAR
A one-day conference staged by LGG in association with Everatt & Company Solicitors and held in London at the end of May took a detailed but practical look at the challenges facing employers as equal pay claims continue to soar.
It is estimated that there was a staggering 500 per cent increase in claims between 2005 and 2006 – and there is every indication that the number of claims continue to increase.
Jennifer Jones, head of employment at Everatt & Company, who heads a team of 13 bringing together lawyers and HR professionals to address a growing case load, says:
"In my experience, employers are invariably right behind the principles and practice of equal pay, but the big problem is one of getting from A to B. It has an obvious cost implication and it’s simply not easy.
"What we wanted this conference to deliver was a practical forum that was of tangible benefits to those employers and HR professionals in attendance. This was not a case of dwelling on obstacles; it was about what you can do and, crucially, how the right mix of legal and HR expertise can ensure organisations are best prepared for problems, challenges and opportunities."
The day featured a lively session and debate led by 11kbw's John Cavanagh QC, a look at how the public and private sectors differ when it comes to employment and equal pay, and a panel discussion/Q&A chaired by the writer, broadcaster and Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray.