1.1 Loughborough University believes in equal opportunities in employment and is committed to the fundamental principle that procedures to determine the pay and conditions of employment of all our employees do not discriminate unlawfully and are free from bias.  The University recognises that in order to achieve equitable pay, it should operate a pay system which is transparent and based on objective criteria.

2.1 The relevant legislation concerning equal pay is found within the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Equal Pay (Amendment) Regulations 1983 and the Pensions Act 1995.  It is included in other United Kingdom legislation, European Community law, EU Directive on Fixed Term Work and resultant UK regulations.

2.2 The legislation which applies to all employees regardless of full or part-time status, casual or temporary contract or length of service requires employers to ensure that equal pay is given to employees carrying out like work or work seen as equivalent or of equal value. 

3.1 For the purposes of this policy and in line with relevant legislation, pay is defined by Article 141 of the Treaty of Rome as:

“The ordinary basic or minimum wage or salary and any other consideration, whether in cash or kind, which the worker receives directly or indirectly, in respect of his (or her) employment from his (or her) employer”

3.2 Pay, therefore, includes pensions, discretionary bonuses and sick pay as well as other additional benefits.

3.3 The following terms are contained in Equal Pay legislation:

• ‘Like work’ is defined as work which is the same or broadly similar
• 'Work rated as equivalent’  is defined as work which has achieved the same or a similar number of points under a job evaluation scheme
• ‘Work of equal value’ is defined as work which is of broadly equal value when compared under headings such as effort, skill and decisions

4.1 In order to show commitment to equal pay in practice, Loughborough University will:

• discuss and agree the equal pay policy with trade unions and professional associations as appropriate
• provide training and guidance for managers and supervisory staff involved in decisions about pay and benefits
• undertake a rolling equal pay audit to examine our existing and future pay practices for all our employees.
• carry out regular monitoring of the impact of our pay practices    

5.1 Complaints about the lack of equal pay should, in the first instance, be made to the relevant line manager, Head of Department or Faculty or Non-Faculty HR Adviser .  If these informal approaches do not satisfy the employee the complaint may be dealt with through the grievance procedures set out in the appropriate Conditions of Service.

6.1 The findings of the equal pay audit will be reviewed by the Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee, the Human Resources Committee and Council.  Complaints about unequal pay will be monitored on an annual basis and statistical information will be produced by Human Resources for consideration by the Human Resources Committee.  Names of individuals concerned will not be published.

7.1 Ultimately the Vice-Chancellor and Council are responsible for ensuring that employees are treated equitably.  The Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee and the Human Resources Committee are also responsible for ensuring the success of this Policy.  Managers and Selection Panel Chairs have an additional responsibility to ensure that initial starting salaries are consistent with this Policy.

8.1         The following relevant Codes of Practice and equal opportunities guides are also available from Human Resources:

• Code of Practice on Equal Opportunities
• Race Equality Policy
• Good Recruitment Guide
• Code of Practice for the Employment of Research Staff
• Code of Practice on Disability and Employment 

Staff Development Adviser, Equality and Diversity 

Abida Akram
A.P.Akram@lboro.ac.uk           
Tel: (01509) 222389

HR Advisers

Joanne Arno
J.M.Arno@lboro.ac.uk
Tel: (01509) 223608     

Ruth McHugh
R.McHugh@lboro.ac.uk               
Tel: (01509) 223609

Anne Lamb
A.E.P.Lamb@lboro.ac.uk           
Tel: (01509) 222168

Mary Thomas                       
M.E.Thomas@lboro.ac.uk           
Tel: (01509) 222166

If appropriate, Heads of Department and Section Heads are also there to help you.

Equality and Human Rights Commission                    
Telephone: 0845 601 5901         

Department of Trade and Industry                    
Telephone: 0207 215 5000

Updated (2010)