MP demands action on equal pay for women

Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, today wrote to Business Secretary Vince Cable demanding to know why the Government continue to block action on equal pay.

Last month MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of measures for pay transparency that would see big companies (with over 250 staff) publish their gender pay gap. However the Government has so-far refused to implement it.

The measure is supported by leading employers including PwC who are one of just 5 large companies known to voluntarily publish the information.

Tories and Lib Dems will next have an opportunity to support pay transparency on February 27th when the Government have another chance to support the proposal.

Alison Seabeck said: “In Plymouth, women and their families will be wondering why this Government won't take action on equal pay.

“Today I’ve written to the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, calling on him to support Equal Pay and get on with implementing pay transparency.

“Women across Britain are still earning on average 81p for every pound a man earns, leaving themselves and their families poorer. Pay transparency will encourage action on the pay gap. If this Government refuses to implement it a Labour Government will.”