Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Pursglove Excerpts

Thursday 25th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

Obviously not.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Is there any opportunity to further promote UK steel exports through the GREAT campaign in the year ahead, not least because it is the best steel in the world?

--- Later in debate ---

[Victoria Atkins]

I am happy to look at that. As I say, we will be consulting in the summer. We want also to understand the scale of sexual harassment in the workplace. By definition, it tends to be activity that is hidden and there is stigma to it. We want absolutely to make the point that it is not right for anyone, of any gender, of any sexuality, to suffer this sort of behaviour in the workplace.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

7. What steps she is taking to ensure that businesses are held to account on reducing the gender pay gap.

[The Minister for Women (Victoria Atkins)]

Gender pay gap reporting provides transparency for everyone in holding employers to account, and many organisations already recognise that closing the gap makes good business sense. I am writing to public sectors employers who are within scope of the regulations to urge them to develop action plans, and meeting influential business leaders to press them to take action in their sectors to make the best of the potential that their female employees can provide to them.

[Tom Pursglove]

I am grateful to the Minister for that answer. What early assessment has she made of successful business compliance performance compared with that of last year?

[Victoria Atkins]

Before I answer that, I feel obliged to wish my hon. Friend good luck in the London marathon this weekend, as I do to all Members of this House who will be running those 26 miles—we hope it will be good weather.

I am sure the whole House joins me in being delighted that we have exceeded last year’s compliance levels, with 95% of all employers believed to be in scope in the regulations having reported their data by the deadlines. We are confident that 100% compliance will be achieved shortly, and we have already seen the reporting rates rise to 98%.