The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced today that due to the unprecedented pressures faced by employers during the COVID-19 crisis, employers now have until 5 October 2021 to report their gender pay gap information for 2020-2021 (which uses a snapshot date of 5 April 2020 for private businesses). This is a six month extension from the original deadline of 4 April 2021 for private businesses with more than 250 employees. The Government has confirmed that no enforcement action will be taken against employers if they submit their reports by 5 October 2021.
Following the suspension of mandatory gender pay gap reporting in April 2020, the Government was under pressure to reintroduce reporting this year, particularly in light of increasing fears that the pandemic is further entrenching gender inequality. Employers can still voluntarily submit their gender pay statistics ahead of the extended deadline, and the Government is encouraging them to do so. According to the latest figures, 644 employers had reported by 23 February 2021.
For more information on key issues employers should bear in mind when reporting their gender pay gap, please see our previous briefing and our recent articles published in the Employment Law Journal and Executive Compensation Briefing.
If you have any queries or would like assistance with preparing your gender pay gap report, please get in touch with your usual Mishcon contact or with a member of the Employment team.