Women and men have the right to equal pay under the law.

Despite this, on average women earn 80p for every pound that a man earns in the UK.

For part-time female workers the difference in pay is even greater.

The law also says that not just salary, but also the terms of employment should be on an equal basis.

Your right to receive equal pay can include the following:

• Basic salary
• Sick pay
• Holiday pay
• Performance related pay
• Bonuses
• Overtime
• Shift payments
• Share options

Around the UK, equal pay cases are being fought and won as workers claim back pay owed to them as well as increased pay rates under the Equal Pay Act.  Under Equal Pay law you are now entitled to up to six years of back pay if you are found to have been underpaid by your employer.

The ‘Support Equal Pay’ Campaign aims to make women aware of their right to equal pay with men for doing work of the same value, and to offer advice and information to women who believe they are being underpaid.