Gender pay equity

Equal pay for equal work is an important foundation of a fair, equitable and inclusive workforce. But we know the gender pay gap still affects many workers in Victoria. And now, more than ever, there is a potential for a further widening of the gender pay gap.

COVID-19 presents significant challenges for SMEs including supply-chain disruption, asset write-off, business closures and shutdowns. The uncertain times we are facing have also highlighted the heightened risks for women, particularly those in casual and low-paid industries where they may not have access to JobKeeper payments, as well those working as frontline workers or in sectors where where flexibility, working from home, bonus/commission schemes and other entitlements are being affected.

Increasing caring responsibilities while working from home is further contributing to the gender pay gap.

The information gained via the in-depth telephone interviews will inform the development of future education and training to support SMEs to achieve gender pay equity.

We’re looking for individuals to participate in our research.

We want to know what works for your workplace and how we can support your needs at this unprecedented time.

Incentive payments will be provided for participants, and all data collected will be de-identified.

It doesn’t matter whether you know a lot about pay equity or a little. We’re interested in the views and experiences of a broad spectrum of workers in SMEs, including:

• owner-managers, senior managers, human resources managers, entry-level employees, junior employees and mid-tier employees
• people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people on temporary visas, LGBTIQ+ people, people from regional and rural locations, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

If you are interested in taking part email Industrial Relations Victoria for more information.