Work urgently needed across all sectors to tackle gender and ethnicity pay gaps

Responding to the publication of a joint report by the Fawcett Society and Runnymede Trust Broken Ladders: The Myth of Meritocracy for Women of Colour in the Workplace, Joan Saddler, director of partnerships and equality at the NHS Confederation said: 

“This is a stark report that confirms a relentless reality of the impact of racism particularly on black, Asian and minority eEthnic women. The report aligns with the NHS Confederation’s active approach that anti-racism requires intentional, measurable and sustainable action beyond commitment.

Sam Allen, chair of the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care Women Leaders Network added:

“The experiences of women shared in this report bring into sharp focus the work needed across all sectors to tackle gender and ethnicity pay gaps. Sadly, the findings chime with our Network Report, Action for Equality: The Time is Now and further highlights the work we all need to do to ensure workplaces are inclusive and fair for all. 

Deputy chair of the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care Women Leaders Network Tracie Jolliff said: “The experience of BAME women requires amplification so that action is informed by lived experience.

“In this we need to be brave, acknowledging what is not working and we must be willing to address what these women say they need in order to improve.”