Conservative MP calls for ‘transparency’ at law firms over gender pay equality.

Law firms are getting away with not being fully transparent about the difference in earnings between men and women, a Conservative MP has alleged, adding to calls to revise the regulations. 

Under the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations, firms with 250 or more employees are required to publish the average gap in earnings between men and women. 

But Conservative MP Maria Miller, chair of the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, told the Gazette many law firms will fall below this threshold because of the ‘employment status of some people who work in their firms’.

‘This needs to be reviewed to ensure there is as much transparency as possible,’ Miller said. 

The first reporting period saw some law firms spark anger by omitting equity partners on the grounds that they are ‘not employees’. Many firms subsequently revised their data. 

The next reporting period will require firms to submit data for the period ending April 2018. The Law Society is expected to publish guidance soon.