Katy Clark MP

Local MP Katy Clark has today called for stronger equality laws to close the pay gap for women workers. The Government will be introducing an Equalities Bill in the next Parliamentary session and the Member of Parliament for Ayrshire North and Arran, is campaigning to ensure it is as strong as it can be to ensure that the Equal Pay legislation becomes reality and that the wage discrimination which still exists against women is brought to an end .
Speaking on the subject Ms. Clark said “I am very concerned at the current pay gap which still exists in the United Kingdom between men and women’s pay. It is appalling that in 2008 such gaps still exist. The average hourly pay gap between men and women is still around 17%. A select committee report last year highlighted that it could be 2085 before the pay gap between men and women is closed.
“I believe the Government needs to act now to address this situation and I welcome the introduction of an Equalities Bill in the next Parliamentary session. I believe the Bill needs to introduce a duty on local authorities and major employers to carry out equality audits to ensure that female workers are not being exploited in the workplace. These audits need to be open and transparent and tougher penalties are required for companies who are shown to be conducting discriminatory practices.”