Same job, different locations, different pay

[papa_face]

Hi

Within the company I currently work for they have jobs advertised across two geographic locations. One in Harlow and another in the North-east of England.
The jobs are exactly the same in both locations, however the one in Harlow is being advertised as up to £20k salary and the one in the North-East as up to £17.5k.
Is this legal?

The argument I've heard is that the cost of living is higher in the south, which is legitimate however I'm not sure if this is actually a legally safe position?

I'd appreciate it if someone could provide clarity.

Thanks!

 

[john1989]

Yes, if the reason for the difference in pay is location, then it is perfectly legal.

If it was for a different reason, such as age, sex etc then it wouldn't be.

 

[matt.griffin]

The above post is correct; regional differences in pay are legal. These differences are usually in response to labour market trends, costs of living etc.

Regards,

Matt

 

[Newchodge]

An employer can pay whatever they want to pay, subject to minimum wage requirements, provided that the reason for the difference is not a protected characteristic unde rthe Equalities Act. 2 black 25 year old atheist women, who have no disabilities, sitting next to each other could be paid 30,000 per year differently, without there being a legal problem.

 

[Paul Norman]

This is not only legal, it is good business practise. There is no comparison between the cost of living in Harlow and the North East.

 

[Sparx]

This is not only legal, it is good business practise. There is no comparison between the cost of living in Harlow and the North East.

Have I read your post right? Of course there's a difference in living costs comparing Harlow and the North East...

 

[Paul Norman]

Have I read your post right? Of course there's a difference in living costs comparing Harlow and the North East...

I would suspect that you have not read my post right, then.

 

[Nuno]

@Sparx
"There is no comparison" means it is pointless to compare two things as they are so different.
It doesn't mean you shouldn't compare them because they are the same.

To borrow the legal phrase, "only a moron in a hurry" would think Harlow and the North East have similar living costs.