UK employers leading by example

Opportunity Now, in partnership with the Government Equalities Office  ( formerly part of  the Department for  Local Communities) and has identified over 100  Exemplar Employers  who are doing innovative work to address occupational segregation, equal pay and opportunities for women in the workplace. The organisations have all committed to sharing their best practice with other organisations in the future. It is hoped that this comprehensive sharing of expertise and solutions will ultimately help to address both the gender pay and opportunities gap in the UK.     

Businesses are facing new challenges within the increasingly globalised economy, while public sector organisations are up against ever more complex service delivery challenges. To be successful in this environment organisations need the best talent.  Diversity is about finding that talent, nurturing it and making sure it is retained within the workplace

The initiative comes in response to the Women and Work Commission report ‘Shaping a Fairer Future’. This report analysed the issues and made recommendations to address both the gender pay and opportunities gap in the UK.  There are currently some huge inequalities between women and men in the labour market. Women who work full time earn up to 17% less then men and currently there are 5.6 million women who are working in part-time jobs below their potential. It is estimated that increasing women’s participation in the labour market and reducing gender segregation could be worth between £15 billion and £23 billion to the UK economy

Opportunity Now have tracked each organisation’s progress and documented their work in the form of case studies describing the action they have taken and the impact it has had on both women and workplace culture. The results provide an invaluable resource for employers who want to create more diverse and successful work cultures. 

Click here for a list of UK Exemplar Employers

The Exemplar Employers Report

The exemplar employers report is presented by theme for ease of access to specific information. Click on any of the links listed under 'see also' on the right of this page.

Case Studies

Please click on any one of the following links for direct access to best practice recommendations for each theme, supported by case studies.

Equal Pay

Flexible Working

Occupational Segregation

Training and Development

Women Returners