Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 June 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 10 June 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry;Minister for Women

Question: To ask the Minister for Women, what steps the Government has taken to decrease the pay differentials between men and women. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Minister for Women what steps the Government have taken to decrease the pay differentials between men and women. [59078] Ms Hewitt: The pay gap between men and women currently stands at 18 per cent., down from 20 per cent. in 1997. The Government are taking a number of steps to reduce the pay gap. As well as the introduction of the national minimum wage and the provisions in the Employment Bill, the fair pay champions and castle awards, are helping to spread good practice on equal pay. All Government Departments are committed to carrying out a pay review by April 2003 and we are also taking forward recommendations from the Kingsmill report.

Secondary information