Committee
Equal Opportunities Committee, 20 Feb 2007
20 Feb 2007 · S2 · Equal Opportunities Committee
Item of business
Subordinate Legislation
Sex Discrimination (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2007 (SSI 2007/32)
I have a few comments to make. I support the order and the principles and intentions behind it. However, I have some concerns about its implementation, given that there is no financial memorandum attached to it. The order puts a lot of responsibilities on local authorities, but we know that there are massive outstanding issues with achieving equal pay, because of the financial consequences to local authorities. I suppose that it is about joined-up government. On the one hand, the order has been laid, but on the other hand, we still do not have specific moneys allocated via the budget process to implement equal pay. I am concerned that there is a bit of downward pressure on public bodies to level pay down, rather than levelling it up, which I have misgivings about. My concerns are about the implementation of the order, rather than the principle behind it.The duty is on public bodies. However, there is a big gap in the legislation in respect of duties on private employers. I understand the complexities of the legislative framework, given that employment legislation is reserved to Westminster. Nevertheless, the gender pay gap in the private sector is even greater than it is in the public sector and, from a policy point of view, the private sector should not escape.
In the same item of business
The Convener:
Lab
We come to agenda item 2. As members are aware, the Sex Discrimination (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2007 (SSI 2007/32) imposes sp...
Carolyn Leckie:
SSP
I have a few comments to make. I support the order and the principles and intentions behind it. However, I have some concerns about its implementation, given...
The Convener:
Lab
Thank you; your comments are noted and could be included in the legacy paper to ensure that the next Equal Opportunities Committee can take on board the issu...
Marlyn Glen:
Lab
The first report that the Scottish ministers are to produce is to be published by 1 July 2010 and subsequent reports are to be published at three-year interv...
The Convener:
Lab
I presume that it will be for the future Equal Opportunities Committee to consider that. I would be surprised if it was not consulted.
Marlyn Glen:
Lab
Perhaps we should include that in our legacy paper. I am mindful of the fact that dates can move.
The Convener:
Lab
Yes. I will ensure that that happens.Are members content to report to the Parliament that the committee has no recommendation to make in respect of the order...