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The salary taboo

Despite 30 years of the Equal Pay Act, women are still paid 17% less than men. Part of the problem is the secrecy surrounding pay. So should we be up front and talk about our salaries? iVillagers respond

Tackling the taboo
'If everyone was more open, it would stop companies paying men more for the same or similar jobs that women do,' says Emma, 'And also stop companies paying 'new starters' the going rates while keeping loyal staff on lower pay.

'Whilst I am aware that what people earn is their own business, companies need to be picked up on if they are not following legislation aimed at stopping pay divides between men and women,' she adds. 'I have a rough idea of what other staff at my place earn, but just feel that the issue of pay discrimination wouldn't be a problem if everyone knew what everyone else was earning.'

Mercenary colleagues spoil my day
Abi says: 'I get really annoyed when people will not disclose their salaries - there should be no reason why they are ashamed of what they earn. I feel that I am not told what other people earn in case I kick up a fuss, saying I do not get paid what I am worth. I am one of the youngest employees and feel this goes against me at pay review time.

'Money seems to be the driving force behind everyone in my office and some days it sickens me. Five people have just been made redundant yet the colleagues who still have their jobs are complaining about their three per cent pay rise. Yet they won't make the effort to hit their targets and obtain bonuses. I enjoy my job and find that the mercenary people I work with are the only things that ever spoil my day.'

We need more transparency
Anna says: 'Sometimes I dream about a world where everyone would do a job they are passionate about and get paid what they need to live on. Maybe everyone would get paid the same...simple.'