The UK has introduced rules to ensure organisations treat people fairly, including workers, customers, and investors. For example, employers must treat employees fairly in how they manage and reward them. Big companies also have to publish pay data, such as gender pay gaps.

This factsheet looks at pay fairness, including equal pay and differences between high and low pay. It explains what companies have to report, including gender pay gaps, and shows how sharing pay stories can help employers prove they’re being fair.

Explore our stances on low pay and financial wellbeing and executive pay in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Use AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will make ethnicity and disability pay reporting compulsory for employers with at least 250 employees. It will also be compulsory to publish actions plans as part of gender pay gap reporting and that outsourced individuals must be included in reports. The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill will extend the right to make equal pay claims to black, Asian and minority ethnic and disabled workers. Keep up to date with the latest on these changes with our Tracker of potential law changes.
 
This factsheet outlines the current requirements around pay reporting that can still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once any changes are enforced.

Contents

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
  • Factsheet

    Workplace pensions

    Learn about the UK law surrounding workplace pensions and how to choose new schemes or review existing pension arrangements

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Employer brand

    Introduces employer brand, why it’s important, and how organisations can develop a strong brand aligned with their values

  • Factsheet

    Induction

    A look at the induction process, and the purpose of induction for employer and employee

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    HR shared services

    Understand the principles of shared services, how they work, and the benefits they can bring to an organisation

    For Members
    • Factsheets