Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chi Onwurah and Alex Cunningham

Thursday 27th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

2. What steps she is taking to ensure equal pay for men and women.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

8. What steps she is taking to ensure equal pay for men and women.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Jo Swinson)]

It is good to see that over the past year the gender pay gap has fallen significantly to 19.1%—its lowest ever level. However, we are determined to build on this, and our aim must be to eliminate the gender pay gap. We are promoting pay transparency through the Think, Act, Report initiative; transforming the workplace to ensure flexible working and shared parental leave; and, through the Your Life campaign, encouraging girls and young women to consider a wide range of careers, including well-paid careers in technology and engineering.