UKMy employer pays men more than women for equal work. Is this illegal?
Yes, it is illegal for your employer to pay men more than women for equal work in the UK. The Equality Act 2010 gives you the right to equal pay for equal work.
What the Law Says
The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to pay different wages to men and women doing equal work — unless the difference is due to a material factor unrelated to sex.
Under section 66 of the Equality Act 2010, a person has the right to the same terms of employment — including pay — as a comparator of the opposite sex who is doing 'equal work'. Equal work means work that is the same or broadly similar (like work), work rated as equivalent under a job evaluation scheme (rated as equivalent), or work of equal value in terms of effort, skill and decision-making (work of equal value).
The law applies to all employees, workers, and apprentices. It covers not just basic salary but also bonuses, overtime, pensions, sick pay, and other contractual benefits.
Statutory TextIf a person (A) is employed on terms that are less favourable than the terms of employment of another person (B) who is of the opposite sex and is employed by the same employer, A is entitled to a modification of A’s terms of employment so as to make them, so far as they are less favourable, equivalent to B’s.
— Equality Act 2010, s. 66 — Equal pay
What to Do
Compare your role, responsibilities, skills, and conditions with a colleague of the opposite sex doing equal work.
Raise the issue informally with your manager or HR, citing the Equality Act 2010.
If unresolved, submit a formal grievance using your employer’s procedure.
You may file an equal pay claim in an employment tribunal — you must do this within 6 months less one day of the end of your employment (if no longer employed) or within 6 months of the pay disparity occurring (if still employed).
Consider seeking advice from ACAS, a trade union, or an employment solicitor before proceeding.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Canada
European Union
US FederalNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.