Women and Men: Pay Gap

Lord Trefgarne Excerpts

Wednesday 8th March 2023 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Trefgarne (Con)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

Women!

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

Interestingly enough, we have launched an online tool, hosted by GOV.UK, to make it easier for parents to check if they are eligible for shared parental leave, plan their leave, and give the required notice and information to their employer. The number of couples taking up shared parental leave and pay is increasing year on year; last year it was at 13,000. We are also looking at what more we can do to make it easier for fathers to take paternity leave, to challenge the entrenched assumption that caring is the sole responsibility of the mother.

[Lord Trefgarne (Con)]

My Lords, am I not right in thinking that the Royal Air Force has recently authorised women to fly fast jet aircraft on operations for the first time ever? If I am right and that is the case, can the Minister confirm that they are paid the same salary?

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

I am sorry; I cannot confirm that they are paid the same salary, but it is a jolly good job if they are doing the same as the men.