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 specific gender pay gap data.

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 AI AI
Use AI to find trusted answers on our Knowledge hub. Start using CIPD Buddy AI

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
  • Data

    Gender pay gap

    Explore the CIPD's detailed analyses of 2025/2026 gender pay gap reporting in the UK and Northern Ireland, updated in May 2026. CIPD members can also download these datasets to benchmark and compare your organisation's performance against national data.

  • Factsheet

    Occupational health

    Outlines the role of occupational health services in an organisation and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Recruitment: An introduction

    Facts on the recruitment and resourcing process; from defining the role to making the appointment

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Flexible working practices

    Explores the benefits of flexible working, the types of arrangements commonly used and gives practical tips on implementing flexible working practices

    For Members
    • Factsheets