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The Coalition Government and income inequality – Half Term Report (November 2012)

As the Coalition Government reaches the halfway point of its planned five-year term, this pamphlet investigates whether or not it has acted to address the UK’s high level of income inequality. Presenting eight expert opinions which explore themes from economy to welfare reform, low pay to executive pay, these essays find the government’s record wanting.

This pamphlet argues that, as austerity belts tighten, proposed policy on income inequality is an issue on which the two government parties – and the opposition – will be judged in the second half of the term and the run-up to the next election. These essays send out a warning signal to all parties to pay close attention to electorate anger and set out effective policies that will have a real and lasting impact on the UK’s current levels of vast income inequality.

 

Leading the Way on Fair Pay: An assessment of principal local authorities in England and Wales (September 2012)

This report  is based on a review of the pay policy statements published by each of the 174 principal local authorities in England and Wales, supplemented by a survey of the same authorities.

The report shows that local authorities are leading the movement to shrink the pay gap between highest and lowest paid staff with over 20% committing to paying staff at least the Living Wage and several others encouraging employers to do the same. At the other end of the pay scale one in eight principal local authorities in England and Wales have taken steps to reduce top pay and limit pay ratios. However, the report also warns that poor guidance on reporting resulted in incomparable data which undermines the government’s intention to promote fair pay in the public sector.

 

Analysis of investor votes on executive pay suggests that a 75% threshold is necessary if excessive executive pay is to be moderated (May 2012)

This briefing presents data relating to the recent high profile investor rebellions against remuneration reports, which suggest that the government needs to adopt rigorous policies, including a minimum threshold of 75% of investors in favour of remuneration policies.

 

A third of a percent: The gulf between employees’ pay and chief executives’ pay and the adverse impacts on UK plc (September 2011)

A study of the full extent of top-to-bottom pay ratios in the UK, and the negative impacts excessive ratios have on business, economy and society.

 

Neither necessary nor desirable: The adverse impacts of excessive executive remuneration on UK plc (August 2011)

It is often claimed that very large remuneration packages for company directors are necessary to recruit, motivate and retain those directors. This briefing contains evidence and analysis that challenges those assertions.

Policies For The Good Company: Managing the adverse effects of excessive pay inequality on business, society & economy (June 2011)

This briefing outlines why private sector pay ratios are a matter of public interest and why high pay ratios damage company performance. It also explores public, industry & expert opposition to excessive pay inequality and outlines potential policy solutions.

 

Pay ratios and income inequality: Risks, opportunities and best practice for voluntary & community sector organisations (June 2011)

Explores reasons why voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs) should adopt a policy on pay ratios, recommends ways in which to do so and gives examples of best practice.