Setting aside the current uncertainty around paid parental leave and the impact this might have on attempts to achieve gender equality, we have in recent years seen more and more businesses recognise the importance of gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
In fact, the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012), which is promoted and overseen by the government's Workplace Gender Equality Agency, requires certain employers to report each year on how they're going with achieving workplace gender equality.
If you are an employer with more than 100 employees, between 1 April and 31 May you must submit a report to the Agency providing information about the previous year (up to 31 March), to enable the Agency to assess the extent of workplace gender equality in your workplace. This year, the Agency is requesting additional information, such as the number of:
- Appointments made during the reporting period by gender and manager/non-manager categories
- Promotions awarded during the reporting period by gender, employment status and manager/non-manager categories
- Resignations during the reporting period by gender, employment status and manager/non-manager categories
- Employees who didn't come back to work after a period of parental leave, by gender and manager/non-manager categories.
Visit the WGEA website for more information.
Once employers have submitted their reports, the Agency will use the information to develop Competitor Analysis Benchmark Reports, outlining areas for improvement relative to other reporting organisations. The intention is for employers to be able to clearly see areas for improvement, and to develop better options to achieve gender equality.
Organisations that are required to report, but don't, or fail to report in a manner that complies with their reporting obligations, may face consequences such as being publically named and shamed, and being excluded from government tenders.
Reporting is done online, and requires someone within your organisation with the relevant authority, to register for online reporting with the Agency.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
