Time is running out for employers to submit their mandatory gender pay gap reports to Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
The landmark passing of the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Act 2023 sees new accountability, transparency and publishing requirements for businesses in an effort to embed fairness in the country’s workplace relations system.
With the report submission deadline of 31 May looming, National Retail Association chief executive officer Greg Griffith said retailers can act now to ensure their compliance by joining WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge at an exclusive address for retailers next week.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Ms Wooldridge and her invaluable insights to help the retail community get ahead of the curve and take proactive steps towards understanding their gender pay gap,” Mr Griffith said.
“Businesses with 100 or more employees will have gender pay gap data published by WGEA under the new laws in a move towards gender equality, and employers need to understand their reporting requirements.
“We know that reporting to WGEA will go a long way in removing the barriers that prevent women reaching their full potential in the workplace, and that breaking down the pay gap will offer clearer insight into the changes needed to close the gap and improve gender equity across the sector.”
Mr Griffith said the retail industry, like many others, is fiercely competing to attract and retain talent amidst the current labour shortage.
“Retail is the employer of choice for more than 1.2 million Australians, yet women, who comprise of 57% of the retail workforce earn on average 13.3% less than men in similar roles and are 18% less likely to hold a managerial position, according to WGEA’s 2022 Gender Equity Scorecard.
“As consumers become increasingly values-conscious, they expect a commitment to gender equality at the executive level with targets that are ambitious but achievable.
“Now more than ever retailers need to make headway on pay equity, and strategise how to attract, retain and promote women.”
The Diversity and Inclusions Essentials: Understanding WGEA Reporting industry webinar will take place on Thursday 27 April for members of the NRA. Non-members interested in attending can sign up to gain free access via this link.
The National Retail Association is the voice of modern retail, representing more than 60,000 stores across Australia. It has been serving businesses in the retail and fast-food sectors for close to 100 years.
For more information, please contact the NRA media unit at marketing@nra.net.au or 1800 RETAIL (738 245).