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Freshfields publishes UK pay gap report
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has today published its second UK pay gap report, requirement under UK law. Our employee data for gender shows an improvement in both the median pay gap to 6.2 per cent (2017: 13.3 per cent) and in the mean pay gap to 5.7 per cent (2017: 13.9 per cent).
The figures including partners show an improvement in the median pay gap to 57.6 per cent (2017: 60.4 per cent) and in the mean pay gap to 18.4 per cent (2017:34.1 per cent). These positive changes are a reflection of population changes, including some women hires and promotions into more senior roles within the firm.
Given that the firm’s focus on diversity is broader than gender, it has also chosen to report ethnicity pay gap data. Currently, the data shows that 13.5 per cent of the firm’s UK partners and employees identify as black, asian or minority ethnic (BAME).
Claire Wills, Managing Partner, London said: “As a firm, we are committed to building a culture of inclusion. Aligned to our broader efforts, this report is an opportunity for us to transparently share data to inform our ongoing dialogue and strategy around diversity and inclusion and to drive change.”
The firm has been focused on diversity and inclusion for many years, and while progress has been made we recognise there is still more to do.
The firm has also launched a series of initiatives in order to support its priorities. These include our award-winning Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme, which has been devised to address the disproportionate under-representation of black and black mixed-race men from less privileged backgrounds in large commercial law firms and the City of London more broadly.
Within the firm, we have launched our Every Day Gender Equality (EDGE) commitment, with the aim of empowering people to take actions that will make a difference to gender equality. We have also hosted a series of inclusion workshops, attended by over 100 leaders in the UK, which focus on understanding bias and actions to promote inclusion.
Olivia Balson, Global Centre Director, Manchester said: “I am proud of the many initiatives, programmes and efforts underway to enhance diversity and inclusion here at the firm, and the level of engagement across teams in these activities. We still have more to do and so value and appreciate everyone’s commitment to this important priority”.
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Notes for editors
About Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. Our 2,800 plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through our own offices and alongside leading local firms. Our commitment, local and multi-national expertise and business know-how our clients rely on us when it matters most.
ENDS
Notes for editors
About Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. Our 2,800 plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through our own offices and alongside leading local firms. Our commitment, local and multi-national expertise and business know-how our clients rely on us when it matters most.