Brown challenged over equal pay

'Ball's in Brown's court'

Monday, 25, Jun 2007 12:00

Gordon Brown has been challenged to push for equal pay for men and women when he takes over as prime minister this week.

The Fawcett Society is using the start of the Wimbledon Championship to promote equal pay.

This year's championship will mark the first where men and women are paid equally and the society has challenged Mr Brown to be the first prime minister to ensure men and women are also equally rewarded in the workplace.

Katherine Rake, director of the Fawcett Society, said: "Women tennis players are finally enjoying equal pay at Wimbledon – it's time for Gordon Brown to give all women a sporting chance and finally end the pay gap.

"The ball's in his court."

It is more than 30 years since the government passed equal pay legislation but a pay gap remains between men and women.

Men working full-time earn 17 per cent more than their female counterparts, while women working part-time lag behind men by 38 per cent.

The Fawcett Society has called on the government to enact practical measures to end the pay gap.

Mr Brown should set a target for equal pay and introduce compulsory pay audits for all organisations, it recommends.

It should also address the UK's long-hours culture, including fully endorsing the EU Working Time Directive.

Men should also be encouraged to push for a better work-life balance, while all employees should have the right to claim flexible working.

Harriet Harman, new deputy leader of the Labour party, has promised to champion women as she supports Mr Brown.

Accepting the post yesterday, Ms Harman said: "I have always tried to be a champion for women and as deputy leader that's what I will do.

"It feels like politics has come a long way since I first entered parliament in 1982. Today we have 97 strong Labour women MPs but back then I was one of only 10 Labour women in a parliament of 97 per cent men."

She also promised to push for equal treatment in the workplace, as well as better support for families caring for older relatives.

Ms Harman is only the second woman to hold the deputy post, following on from Margaret Beckett who served under John Smith.