MP BACKS DRIVE TO END THE PAY GAP

3.50.00pm GMT Fri 28th Mar 2003

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has today added her name in support of a Parliamentary Early Day Motion to highlight the campaign to end the pay gap between men and women.

The gap remains stubbornly high at 19% for full-time work and a staggering 41% for part-timers.

The motion highlights recent research that the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has conducted into the number of employers who have carried out pay reviews.

The research found that only 18% of large employers and 10% of medium size employers have actually carried out a review. Worryingly, the majority do not plan to do a pay review at all.

Dr Tonge commented: "The pay gap means that women in Richmond Park constituency are probably being undervalued in their pay packet every month by nearly 20%. Women working part-time may only earn 59% of the hourly rate of men."

"I want employers to take a look at their pay systems. Often they may not even be aware that a pay gap exists. By reviewing the situation they can put it right and end this unfairness." Julie Mellor, Chair of the EOC, added: "We know that they pay gap directly affects women all over the UK, across all sectors of the economy.

The EOC particularly welcomes the support of Jenny Tonge MP with the drive to close the pay gap in Richmond Park."Across the UK, two-thirds of women are in employment and 43% of women who do work are part-time. "

"The pay gap is a key issue for them. Our research found that the majority of employers who have conducted pay reviews did not find it difficult. "

"The EOC has produced a toolkit to help employers and a version specially tailored for small businesses. We are confident that by making a commitment to equality employers will attract and retain the best people."

For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919

Notes for Editors:Monitoring Progress Towards Pay Equality was carried out for the EOC by Fiona Neathey, Sally Dench and Louise Thomson of the Institute for Employment Studies.The full report is available on the EOC website or from the EOC press office.EOC Media enquiries@ 020 7222 1110