In world first, Iceland to require firms to prove equal pay

Iceland will be the first country in the world to make employers prove they offer equal pay regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality, the Nordic nation's government said Wednesday — International Women's Day.

The government said it will introduce legislation to parliament this month, requiring all employers with more than 25 staff to obtain certification to prove they give equal pay for work of equal value.

Iceland's president not seeking re-election after 20 years

Iceland's long-serving president says he will not be seeking re-election this year after leading the country for 20 years.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said in his New Year's speech on Friday that it was the right time to step down because many political uncertainties — including Iceland's application for European Union membership and its recovery from economic collapse — have been resolved.