Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what the Government's timetable is on closing the gender pay gap.

Under this government the gender pay gap has fallen significantly, with the gap having fallen from 19.8% to 14.3% over the last decade.

In 2017, we introduced world-leading regulations requiring large employers to publish the differences in average salaries and bonuses for men and women every year. This has ensured that employers are aware of their gaps and are taking steps to close them.

We know that reporting is just the first step, but do not believe that setting arbitrary targets or a timetable will help to drive the changes that we all want to see. The causes of the gender pay gap are complex, and the wider societal shifts required to close it will take time.