Supermarket chain Co-op has collaborated with Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (WiHTL) and Diversity in Retail (DiR) to unveil its new gender pay toolkit.

The toolkit aims to close the gender pay gap by helping organisations pursue “meaningful change” and is designed to prepare companies for strengthened gender pay gap action requirements coming into effect from 2027.

It provides guidance to businesses on how to identify key ‘drivers’ of the gender pay gaps, develop action plans, and improve recruitment and progression opportunities.

Natasha Hunter, inclusive partnerships lead at Co-op, said: “We know there is more work to do to close the gender pay gap, and this is not about Co-op telling others what to do.

“Our aim is to support collaboration across supply chains by sharing practical interventions, learning from organisations that are already taking action, and helping employers turn insight into meaningful change. Working together is essential if we are to accelerate progress towards fairer outcomes for women at work.”

The toolkit was devised in partnership with suppliers and partners across Co-op’s supply chain. It brings together practical insight into areas such as menopause, menstrual health, inclusive hiring, mentoring, sponsorship and flexible working.

Tea Colaianni MBE, founder and chair of WiHTL, said: “Publishing gender pay gap data is only the first step. The requirement to publish an action plan rightly shifts the focus from transparency alone to meaningful change.

“Transparency provides the evidence, action plans set out clear commitments, and accountability ensures progress is monitored and sustained. When all three are applied together, organisations can move beyond compliance and deliver fairer pay outcomes and stronger performance.”