Committed2Equality (c2e), the leading UK employment diversity consultancy, Unite, the largest union in the UK, and TMP will be hosting a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on Monday 24 September in Bournemouth.

Employment and pay gaps between disadvantaged groups and the rest of the population continue, despite a swath of measures introduced since 1997. Women working full-time are still paid on average 17% less an hour than men (38% less if they work part-time) and the employment gap between ethnic minorities and the population at large stubbornly remains around the 15% mark.

The event – “Bridging the gap: narrowing the employment divide” – will explore the practical and pragmatic steps the Labour Government needs to take to ensure fair employment and improve the employment and work opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Speakers for the event include: the Minister for Equalities, Barbara Follett MP (left); Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite (TBC); Harry Cohen MP, Work & Pensions Select Committee; Chuka Umunna, TMP Editor; Afsana Shukur, senior executive, Serco; Janet Lakhani, Chief Executive of c2e; and Jonathan Baldrey, Chief Executive and founder of Talent Recruitment.  c2e’s Allan Boulgas will chair the session.

Commenting on the widening gender pay gap Janet Lakhani said: “The latest damning statistics from the Employment Tribunal Service underline the fact that unfair employment practices have increased, with a further 37,000 more claims being made last year. That rise masks a 150% increase in equal pay claims, underlining the fact that employers need to change the way they employ. Being employed fairly is a basic human right, which is why there is a need for urgent government action. Unless employers are expected and helped to act fairly, this trend will continue to spiral out of control.”

Chuka Umunna (right) is also concerned of the disparity in equal pay: “Employment and pay gaps still remain despite the extension of anti-discrimination legislation under this government. Tackling these continuing problems must surely be part of the government’s strategy to win back the 4.5 million votes lost since 1997 – there is both a moral and a political imperative to address them.”

The event is open to all and takes place from 5.30-7pm in the Franklyn Suite, Connaught Hotel, West Hill Road, West Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5PH. Refreshments will be available.  The venue is outside of the conference secure zone – a map can be found here.