What is meant by 'equal pay'?

The law states that men and women are entitled to equal pay where they are doing the same work, or, in some cases, different types of work, but which are considered equivalent. This is expressed as follows:

• "like work" - the same, or broadly similar work
• "work rated as equivalent" – different work, but where the jobs have been rated as equivalent under a job evaluation scheme
• "work of equal value" – different work, but which could be rated as equivalent if there had been a job evaluation scheme

Pay includes all aspects of wages and salaries and includes pensions. The equal pay laws apply to all workers, including those working on a part-time, casual or temporary basis.