Stunell demands equal pay for women in Stockport

4.07.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 28th Feb 2006

Following the publication of a report this week from the Women and Work Commission, Andrew Stunell has called for the Government to take radical action to end the scandal of unequal women's pay.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"The report shows the staggering inequalities women face in the work place. Women who work full time in Stockport are earning an average of 17% less than their male colleagues.

"Increasing women's participation in the labour market could be worth £75 million to Stockport's economy. The pay gap and the waste of many women's talents is bad for women and bad for Britain.

"It is deeply disappointing that eight years of a Labour Government have seen little or no narrowing of the gender pay gap."

Mr Stunell added:

"I am calling for the Government to make companies and public sector employers carry out audits to highlight inequalities in pay, gender balances and promotions. It's time to close the pay and opportunities gap that blight the careers of so many women." ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The report, Shaping a Fairer Future, can be read at http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/women_work_commission/index.htm