Search this website. You can use fund codes to locate specific funds

Part II: Facing up to the challenge of fair pay

This is the second part of a four-part paper on SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth. In part one, we asserted that the challenges presented by increasingly tight labour markets provide opportunities to rethink hiring practices for mutual benefit. In this paper, we progress from our engagement on workforce diversity to the issue of fair pay.

Although there is no simple solution to the issue of fair pay, we believe that engaging with companies can help them, their customers and suppliers further their efforts in the shift towards fairer pay outcomes. In so doing, we are supporting SDG 1 and SDG 8, with their objectives of ending poverty in all its forms and promoting decent work for all, respectively.

Download PDF
Learn More About SDG Engagement
Will Pomroy
Lead Engager SDG Engagement and Small & Mid Cap Equities

Will joined the international business of Federated Hermes in 2015 and, in addition to overseeing and leading the engagement programme for the SDG Engagement Equity strategy, provides ESG analysis for and engagement with stocks in the firm’s small- and mid-cap strategies. Will has a decade of experience in the responsible investment space having, among his previous roles, led the stewardship and corporate governance activity of the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds (now known as the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association). Prior to entering the world of responsible investment, Will worked as a senior parliamentary researcher in the UK Parliament. He chairs the Corporate Governance Expert Group of the Quoted Companies Alliance and is a member of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Will holds an MSc in Public Policy and Management from Birkbeck College at the University of London and a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science from the University of West of England. He also holds the Investment Management Certificate and the Certificate in ESG Investing, both from the CFA UK.

More articles by this author

More Insights

Catalysing impact: how investors can fight climate change
In the first of two special climate-focused episodes of Fundamentals, we ask: is climate action taking a back seat to Covid-19? And what role can impact strategies play in tackling the most defining challenge of our time?
Read more
SDG Engagement Equity commentary: Huhtamaki
We are engaging with Huhtamaki to create positive impacts on society.
Read more
The coronavirus crisis: hitting the reset button
It is time to push the pause button and reset our expectations for the remainder of the year.
Read more
SDG Engagement Equity Strategy update: April 2020
The Hermes SDG Engagement Equity Fund aims to balance positive impact through engagement while enhancing long-term shareholder returns.
Read more
SDG Engagement Equity: Annual Report 2019
Launched in January 2018, the Hermes SDG Engagement Equity Fund has the dual purpose of delivering attractive returns and measurable real-world impact
Read more
The (new) working world: promoting workplace well-being
This is the third part of a four-part paper on SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth.
Read more
Subscribe to Insights