Oral Answers to Questions

Gillian Keegan Excerpts

Thursday 6th July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

7. What steps the Government are taking to reduce the gender pay gap.

[Gillian Keegan (Chichester) (Con)]

10. What steps the Government are taking to reduce the gender pay gap.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Justine Greening)]

The gender pay gap is now at its lowest ever, which is great news, but we need to go further. We are one of the first countries to introduce gender pay gap reporting, and I am delighted that mine is the first Government Department to have published its pay gap figures. What matters is not just transparency, but recognising where women face barriers and taking action.

--- Later in debate ---

[Justine Greening]

I hope that is correct. It is important work and we are strongly encouraging other civil service Departments and employers across the public sector to follow suit.

[Gillian Keegan]

Globally, only about half of working-age women are employed, and they earn three-quarters as much as men even if they have the same level of education and are in the same occupation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that realising the economic potential of women benefits the whole of society, not just women?