A new calculator has been launched to help local businesses report their gender pay gap – after it emerged earlier this year that men are paid 23% more than women in Jersey’s finance industry.
The free toolkit, which is endorsed by the Government of Jersey, was developed by the Institute of Directors Jersey, the Mind the Gap Community, and MyAnova, with support from Scotland’s Close the Gap group.
It comes after the most recent gender pay gap report revealed an average gap of 7.8% in the island during the 12 months leading up to June 2024.
Following its publication, a partner at a top finance firm and a backbench politician both called for the government to take a more active role in encouraging transparency around gender pay gaps.
The new toolkit, which includes a gender pay gap calculator and guidance on analysing pay data, is designed to support directors and businesses employing more than 50 people in reporting their gender pay gap.
It is freely available for download via the Jersey Business website.
IoD Jersey chair Alex Ruddy, who also co-founded the Mind the Gap Community, explained that feedback showed businesses were reluctant to report their gender pay gap due to “a fear of increased cost and resource”.
“We are hopeful that, by providing a toolkit, we alleviate the perceived burden,” she said.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham added: “The toolkit will enable directors to take practical and visible action to improve gender equality in their workplace and drive progress.
“Jersey businesses rely on the skills and experience of the workforce, so it is important that we recognise and make full use of the talents across our community.”
Deputy Carina Alves, the Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for diversity, equality, and inclusion, described the toolkit as a “crucial practical step forward”.
She added: “The gender pay gap represents not just a moral issue but a structural imbalance in our workforce.”
Jersey Business CEO Paul Murphy encouraged employers to use the toolkit and “be part of the change”.
He continued: “This toolkit gives Jersey businesses a practical way to understand and address the gender pay gap.
“By taking action, we’re not just supporting equality, we’re helping our organisations and our island thrive.”
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Shocking new stats reveal gender pay gap of 23% in Jersey’s finance sector