Labour Research May 2003

Features: Equality News

Tribunal gives key equal pay ruling

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) last month ruled in favour of city analyst Louise Barton in her equal pay and sex discrimination claims.

Equal Opportunities Commission chair, Julie Mellor, said the decision: "sets a clear precedent on pay transparency and on employers' responsibility to show that they have not treated employees unfairly."

The EAT ruled that: "No Tribunal should be seen to condone a City bonus culture involving secrecy and/or lack of transparency because of the potentially large amounts involved, as a reason for avoiding equal pay obligations.