Oral Answers to Questions

John Howell Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Nick Boles]

I do agree with my hon. Friend. Role models such as Libby Lane are very important, which is why the Government are supporting schemes such as “Your Life” and “Inspiring Women”, which is led by the formidably impressive lawyer, Miriam Gonzales. I believe that her husband has a job, too, but I think we can all agree that she is the role model in that family.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

3. What steps she is taking to close the gender pay gap.

[Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con)]

6. What steps she is taking to close the gender pay gap.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Nicky Morgan)]

The gender pay gap is at its narrowest ever and has been entirely eliminated among full-time workers under the age of 40. Of course the gender pay gap is still too wide, which is why we are closing it further by encouraging girls and young women to consider a wider range of careers, including well-paid careers in technology and engineering.

[John Howell]

Does the Minister agree that closing the pay gap further means that businesses could still do more to ensure that they recruit, retain and promote the best women?

[Nicky Morgan]

I agree with my hon. Friend. Successful businesses know that they cannot afford to miss out on the talents and experiences of half our population, and the Government are working closely with business on that, especially through the Women’s Business Council, which was established by this Government in 2012. We are helping businesses to ensure that women can fully contribute to the country’s economic growth.