Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what data her Department holds on the gender pay gap in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.

This Government recognises that gender equality is crucial to achieving economic growth, which is why we are committed to closing the gender pay gap.

Currently the national median gap still stands at 13.1%. As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring employers to publish action plans alongside their pay gap figures. These will detail the steps they are taking to narrow their gap; ensuring that every organisation is harnessing the skills of the women in their workforce.

Along with other Bill measures, like changes to flexible working and protections for expecting and new mothers; as well as wider work to expand childcare entitlements and review the parental leave system; this government is taking action on the numerous drivers of the gap.

The Office for National Statistics releases data on the national gender pay gap annually, this includes breakdowns by region and constituency. This can be accessed at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/annualsurveyofhoursandearningsashegenderpaygaptables