Gender Pay Gap

Women and Equality – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 25 June 2009.

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Photo of David Taylor David Taylor Labour, North West Leicestershire 10:30, 25 June 2009

What recent discussions she has had on the extent of the gender pay gap for those in full-time and part-time work.

Photo of Michael Jabez Foster Michael Jabez Foster Parliamentary Secretary, Government Equalities Office

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer previously given.

Photo of David Taylor David Taylor Labour, North West Leicestershire

I am grateful for that answer. Does my hon. Friend agree with the chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, who has said that the Equal Pay Act 1970 is

"no longer fit for purpose", and does my hon. Friend agree that we need to look afresh at what modern equal pay legislation should look like? We should head off problems in the first instance, and not wait until they reach tribunal stage.

Photo of Michael Jabez Foster Michael Jabez Foster Parliamentary Secretary, Government Equalities Office

Indeed, and that is why the Equality Bill will ensure that provisions are made to monitor equal pay and make a difference for the future.