New equal pay regulations have come into force in Malta, giving job applicants the right to receive information about the initial pay level or salary range for a post, while preventing employers from asking candidates about their previous salary.
The regulations were discussed during a business breakfast organised by Mamo TCV Advocates, which brought together legal practitioners, employers, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine their practical implementation.
European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti addressed the event, saying the new rules mark an important step towards greater transparency and fairness in the workplace.
The new Equal Pay (Transparency and Reporting) Regulations came into force in June through a Legal Notice, through which Malta formally adopted the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
The regulations apply to both the public and private sectors and are intended to strengthen the principle that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value.
Among the main changes, job applicants are now entitled to information on the initial pay level or pay range before employment begins. Employers are also no longer allowed to request information about an applicant’s previous salary.
Azzopardi Tanti said the measures are important for equality and social justice.
“The new regulations strengthen the principle that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work, or for work of equal value,” he said.
He added that the right to equal pay and the main transparency provisions are not limited to one sector, but apply equally to public and private employers.
This, he said, reflects the government’s belief that fairness in remuneration is a universal workplace principle.
The minister also said that the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations is supporting the implementation process through information sessions and seminars with stakeholders.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that the new regulations are implemented effectively and lead to meaningful change in workplaces across Malta.