Minister asks Equalities Commission to investigate city bonuses enquiry

Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman has asked the Equality Human Rights Commission to investigate and to decide if city bonuses discriminate against women. Addressing a Labour regional conference in Sheffield, she said that men working  in the finance sector are paid over 40% more than women. Describing ' the bonus system as a licence for unfairness and  discrimination',  Harriet Harman emphasised the importance of having  fairness and a strong economy (which includes the financial sector). She also added that "The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is conducting a review into bonuses, as it is important to stop the bonus system encouraging those at the top taking risks with everyone else's money. The financial services industry has the largest pay gap between men and women in the private sector at 41.5%, with far fewer women in senior roles than in other  sectors. The inquiry will examine the underlying causes as well as reports of a high level of sexual harassment.

According to Veronica Akinyemi, Director of Employ A Woman, some women are deterred from applying to work in certain oganisations because of anticipated discriminative practices and sectors perceived to be bureaucratic. She believes that organisations that choose to exhibit at Employ A Woman’s Recruitment and Professional Development Event taking place on the 7th of May at the London Hilton on Park Lane, will be able to creatively communicate the whole spectrum of career choices available within their organisations and will be able to tap into the skills portfolio of women who might not have previously considered their organisation. It also means that these organisations are showing genuine commitment to the equality of opportunity, looking beyond the stereotype and focusing on talent. This according to her, will send a message to potential female candidates that these organisations are making vital efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and support the professional advancement of women. Through its events, Employ A Woman hopes to pull down the perceived or existing limitations facing successful women, and create new opportunities for success.