Ms Amanda Viriri

Research project: Reflexive law versus substantive law: The role of law in gender pays inequality

Abstract

Thesis Synopsis

The gender pay gap that has been highly topical in last few decades, stemming mainly from the enactment on the Equal Pay Act 1970, which not only acknowledged its existence but also sought to remedy what appeared to be an all pervasive issue. The gender pay gap relates to the differences between the wages earned by women and by men.  It has been argued that the gender pay gap has significantly widened, with the gap for hourly earnings for full-time workers increasing to 10%. This figure increases to 19.7% when part time worker are included, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).  This demonstrates that despite almost 50 years of equal pay legislation and case law, the gender pay gap still very much persists and it is important to address why this is.  

However, the topicality of the ‘gender pay gap' is not only a domestic phenomenon but has become highly topical as a European political agenda and beyond. This is evidenced by current events such as the new junior doctor's contracts in the NHS and the equal pay debate within the British Broadcasting Cooperation. Through European enacted directives and regulation, the landscape in which employers in the UK have operated in has changed in order to address the differences in pay and the causes for this.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: Reflexive law versus substantive law: The role of law in gender pays inequality
  • Other research supervisor: Dr Philip Harris

Biography

Amanda is a law graduate with experience in the legal field, both as  as a legal analyst  in the regulatory field and academically as a researcher. She is experienced in analysing and developing regulatory policy  and advocacy. She is currently undertaking a PhD which is comparative in nature. She  has complete field research for her thesis  in Australia continues to conduct research in her field of research, employment law. 

Areas of research interest

  • Employment Law
  • Socio-economic research
  • Gender equality

Qualifications

  • LLM, Employment Law
  • LLB: Law

Publications

Conference papers

A Viriri, ‘Responsive Law: Is reflexive law the appropriate answer to gender inequality?' Socio Legal Studies Association Conference, March 2015 , Warwick University

A Viriri, ‘Responses to gender pay equality impediments: Deciphering the Equal Remuneration Cases and substantive equality in Australia.' Kent University Law School Critical Legal Conference 2016, September 2016, Kent University

A Viriri, ‘Responses to gender pay equality impediments: Deciphering the Equal Remuneration Cases and substantive equality in Australia.' Biennial Australian Labour Law Association Conference, November 2016, Melbourne, St Kilda