The new resources can be found on the Fair Work website and will provide:

• tools to assist employers to calculate pay rates
• information on modern awards and the National Employment Standards
• example questions from employers
• information on conditions for apprentices and trainees, employing workers part-time and dispute resolution

Michael Campbell, executive director, Fair Work Ombudsman, said, ‘the agency is devoting considerable resources to assist the retail industry.

‘Essentially, it’s a place for retail employers to access materials specifically designed for small-to-medium sized businesses.’

Retailers can also obtain information by calling the Fair Work infoline on 13 13 94 between 8.00 am 6.00 pm on weekdays or by visiting the Fair Work website.

Other reasons sited by the 2700 people surveyed for the enduring lack of equality included the:

• perception that females will not be in the workplace for as long as men
• belief that women focus more on family than their job
• fact that employers don’t want to employ someone who might take maternity leave

Women at the top end of the corporate ladder noticed the lack of equality more than others.

In fact, 68 per cent of those earning over $100,000 said women are still struggling for equality at work, compared to 60 per cent of females earning less than $50,000.

Survey respondents expressed no preference for male or female managers, despite acknowledging that both genders approach the position differently.