Partner Article

BRIDGING THE GAP - VERASTAR REVEALS RESULTS OF PROGRESSIVE POLICIES IN 2017 GENDER PAY GAP REPORT

*** UK company has median gender pay gap of 7.5 per cent - ahead of 18.2 per cent national average

• Flexi working, clear pay progression and holiday entitlement among measures supporting staff in company where women occupy key senior roles**

Business services company Verastar is bucking national and industry trends to report a shrinking gender pay gap. Despite operating within a traditionally male-dominated sector, it has revealed a median pay gap of just 7.5 per cent across its 900-strong workforce - much less than the 18.2 per cent national average.

The firm, which provides essential business services including gas, electricity, telecoms, broadband, mobile and water to SMEs across the UK, also awards more bonuses to female staff (65 per cent of women in the company have received this) compared with men (58 per cent).

Verastar’s 2017 Gender Pay Gap Report, also reveals that the number of women in senior leadership roles is rising - up by five per cent to 35 per cent - with Marketing, HR, Commercial and Legal teams all currently headed by women.

In recent years, the company has introduced a raft of measures to promote equality in the workplace and to attract female recruits, including fixed starting salaries and transparent pay progression.

Flexible, part-time and fixed working pattern have also been added to support those with caring commitments, while holiday entitlement has increased.

Verastar has further plans to address the gender pay imbalance, including incorporating a gender analysis tool into annual pay reviews, promoting flexible working and shared parental leave, and launching career development and management training programs.

Speaking about the report, Verastar CEO, Chris Earle, says: “At Verastar we have always focused on recruiting the best people, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or personal beliefs and as a result, we are confident that men and women are paid on equal terms for doing the same job across the business.

“This data supports Verastar’s efforts to ensure there is no gender bias in pay grades and that many of our job roles have a set salary and benefits irrespective of gender.” Verastar Chief Commercial Officer, Nicola Smith said the report was an important part of the company’s work. She explained: “The Gender pay gap is a great initiative to highlight the fantastic contribution that women can make in business. In 2018 it’s hard to understand that there are still prejudices which stop women from achieving their full potential. “Some companies are missing out on the benefits of having diversity at all levels. Mutually beneficial relationships are a key part business success.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Verastar .