Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new guide to help make businesses less vulnerable to equal pay claims through the use of job evaluation. The guide, which considers the benefits and risks of undertaking job evaluation, explains how a job evaluation risk analysis should be established and implemented.
Job evaluation - which determines the relative importance of a number of different jobs whilst avoiding prejudice or discrimination - can be a complex process. This guide will help managers and employee representatives decide whether introducing a job evaluation structure is feasible and appropriate for their business.
The new Job Evaluation advice booklet is launched as the 2008 Acasí annual report shows a 25% rise in employment tribunals and potential employment tribunal claims. This rise was partly attributed to equal pay claims.
Frank Blair, Director Acas Scotland, who has developed the guide, commented: ìEmployers sometimes find it hard to justify their grading and pay systems. Putting in place a job evaluation scheme can remedy this and can also help prevent equality and HR related problems from arising.î
ìHowever, Acas is urging businesses to be fully prepared before embarking on introducing job evaluation. A good number of the difficulties encountered by organisations will be avoided by adequate preparation. The booklet gives advice on the level of preparation required, which if undertaken properly, will create strong business benefits.î
The guide can be downloaded for free at www.acas.org.uk.
Acas urges businesses to avoid tribunal claims by establishing fair pay and grading systems
Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new guide to help make businesses less vulnerable to equal pay claims through the use of job evaluation
