Equal pay code takes effect

A revised code of practice on equal pay comes into force on 1 December 2003. The code takes account of the changes to equal pay law introduced earlier this year as well as recent legal rulings.

It provides practical guidance on how to ensure pay is determined without sex discrimination. The code is admissable in evidence in proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 or the Equal Pay Act 1970.

Although produced mainly as a guide to employers, the EOC says that the code will also be useful for trade unionists and advisors.

* Copies of the code can be downloaded from the EOC website at: www.eoc.gov.uk