Equal Pay and Flexible Working Bill [HL]

To amend the Equal Pay Act 1970; and to make provision about flexible working.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

13 November 2009

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would update the law to strengthen protections against pay differences for the same work and to set out rules about flexible working. It aims to help people challenge unequal pay and to make it easier to request flexible hours or arrangements.

Key Points

Strengthens protections against pay discrimination and aims to promote equal pay for equal work.
Improves how pay inequity is challenged, with clearer remedies for employees.
Makes provision about flexible working, including how and when requests can be made and considered.
Applies to employers across sectors and sizes, potentially broadening who can benefit from flexible working rights.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the Lords. After this stage it will move on to detailed scrutiny in a Lords committee, followed by further stages before moving to the House of Commons.

Who is affected?

Employees experiencing pay discriminationPart-time, casual and flexible workersPeople seeking flexible working arrangements (e.g., parents, carers, disabled workers)Employers and HR/payroll teamsTrade unions and equality bodiesPublic and private sector employers

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Equal Pay and Flexible Working

1 Jan 1970

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - took place on 23 January.

Lords Hansard: Equal Pay and Flexible Working Bill

Committee stage - line by line examination of the Bill - has yet to be scheduled.

Documents (1)

Bill as introduced

BillLords

9 Dec 2008

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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