As set out in the Equality Act 2010, men and women in the same employment performing equal work must receive equal pay. Equal pay applies to all contractual terms, not just pay, so it also includes overtime rates and allowances, performance-related benefits, benefits under pension schemes, hours of work, sick pay, and other benefits.
Nav Bhogal, the PDA Union National Rep for the South of England and Wales and the Regional Representative for the South East, started the webinar for members and other pharmacists by highlighting that, for too long, there has been a persistent and unfair wage gap that affects women, people of colour, and other marginalised groups. Despite the strides that have been made in terms of equality and fairness in the workplace, it is still a sad reality that many people are paid less than their counterparts for doing the same work.
Daniela Rusalim, PDA Union Regional Rep for the East of England and Vice President of the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP), delivered an engaging presentation about equal pay and provided advice on what to do if affected by unequal pay.
Daniela said, “Despite national and international activism and several decades of equal pay laws, women still earn, on average, less than their male colleagues. The pharmacy sector is not shielded from this national trend. In the context of a worsening cost of living crisis, there is no better time to put this subject back into focus, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of leading this initiative with kind support from other PDA Union Reps in Boots. The aim of the presentation was to make pharmacists aware of their rights, equip them with tools and knowledge, and inspire them to take action if they feel they are affected by unequal pay. I look forward to leading future events addressing equal pay.”
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Learn more
- Equal Pay
- Trades Union Congress
- NAWP hosts informative Equal Pay events
- PDA concerned about unequal pay for pharmacists
- PDA collaborates on Equal Pay Toolkit
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