World news – GB – U as an equality regulator removes the BBC from gender pay discrimination, but recommends rebuilding trust with female employees

U The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has acquitted the BBC of complaints about gender pay discrimination

After complaints that female employees were not receiving equal salaries to their male colleagues, the regulatory body opened an investigation last year and was in discussions with the BBC about employee wages. The committee looked at a sample of official and unofficial wage complaints filed by employees from January 2016. In the systems and processes the broadcaster used to set wages and evaluate complaints

The committee concluded on Thursday, “We did not find any unlawful wage discrimination in the cases we analyzed during our investigation” “but we identified some areas in which the BBC could make improvements to rebuild trust with women in the organization and increase transparency around decision-making and communication.”

The investigation found insufficient record-keeping of how wage decisions were made, resulting in confusion and poor communication with women who filed complaints during the investigation. The BBC had to conduct further searches for evidence because a number of documents were missing or otherwise. Completed in case files

In response, BBC Director General Tim Davy said: « We welcome this report from the Commission on Human Rights in Europe. We note that the commission has not reached any unlawful conclusions against the BBC and we acknowledge that there have been significant improvements in BBC payment practices. Si in recent years « 

“Nevertheless, we have to work harder to be the best in the classroom. Trust is very important, and as an organization serving the public, the BBC must continue to lead in achieving transparency and fair pay We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture.”

>

“We agree with the Commission that we should continue implementing the reform program that began in 2015. We accept each of their recommendations and will implement them”

The committee said the evidence points to the complaints system that took a long time to resolve cases. Some women did not feel the process was appropriately independent, and they felt it increased their anxiety and tension.

The Committee recommends that the BBC ensure that its consideration of pay equity is fully recorded every time
In the case and at each stage of the process, if the employee is offered an adjustment to his salary, he must be explicitly informed whether this is on the basis of equal pay or fair wage, and if the BBC concludes that wage discrimination
It did not happen, he should explain its causes clearly

The committee also states that the BBC must set and adhere to reasonable time limits when identifying payment complaints

The broadcaster should measure employee confidence in the grievance process and take steps to improve the process in response to employee comments; Measuring employee confidence in its arrangements for independent scrutiny of complaints and, if necessary, improving employee confidence through greater participation; Continuing to identify core patterns and themes of its complaints, to learn lessons and improve wage complaints processes, including seeking feedback from employees who have tested the complaints system.

The committee also called for enhanced transparency in the payment process, training, regular reviews, appraisals and audits

“It is easy to see why the trust between some women at the BBC and the organization has collapsed,” said Interim Chair Caroline Waters. “Many women felt that their voices were not being heard, and they were confused about how decisions were made about their salaries. It took an emotional toll Fatal to those who were involved in the process, and the BBC’s women’s emotional strength should not be underestimated

« Although we did not find any illegal acts in our investigation, fixing the damage caused by these problems requires constant leadership and we hope that the BBC’s Board of Directors will come up with our recommendations, » Waters added. « The BBC accepts that change was necessary. » It has made sweeping improvements that will help our recommendations go much further to rebuild trust and increase transparency so that the BBC does not leave itself at risk of pay discrimination in the future. ”

BBC, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Samira Ahmed, Equal pay for equal work, gender wage gap