Employers Will Have To Explain Gender Pay Gaps Under Proposed Legislation

Tuesday, 8 March 2022 15:34

By Caoimhe Harney

According to the latest figures women in Ireland earn 11% less than men.

Employers will be asked to explain why there's a gender pay gap in their company, under new measures announced today.

The Equality Minister has provided details of upcoming Gender Pay Gap Information Act, as part of International Women's Day.

According to the latest figures, dating back to 2019 - women in Ireland are earning on average 11 percent less than men.

To clamp down on this, the Government will require companies with over 250 employees to publish the mean and hourly wage gap and the proportion of male and female employees in lower, middle and upper positions.

A third of women with children are no longer in employment, according to figures from the CSO.

It's one of the lowest employment rates among mothers in the EU.

Under this new laws employers will also be asked to identify measures they're taking to combat the gender gap.

Leadership coach with Inspire Coaching Geraldine Gallagher says some women's confidence stops them from seeking high-paid positions:

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