Equal pay law and employer best practice

Despite what the name suggests, equal pay legislation is only concerned with sex discrimination in pay and in other contractual terms and conditions.

In Northern Ireland, sex discrimination in pay is prohibited by three separate but related domestic statutes, namely:

• the Equal Pay Act (NI) 1970
• the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976
• the Pensions (NI) Order 1995

The law's development was influenced by and, post-Brexit continues to be influenced by European Union law in this field.

There are sound business and legal reasons for implementing equal pay between men and women. Pay systems that are transparent and value the entire workforce send positive messages about an organisation's values and ways of working. Fair and non-discriminatory systems represent good management practices and contribute to the efficient achievement of business objectives by encouraging maximum productivity from all employees.

This guide explains how Northern Ireland employers can make sure they pay male and female employees equally.