WIREDGOV

The CBI has commented ahead of the Government’s second gender pay gap reporting deadline for businesses.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“Business can be an unbeatable force for good by helping women to succeed in all walks of life. The business case for equality is watertight and gender pay reporting must act as a catalyst for change.

“Some of the practical action companies are taking – like setting themselves stretching targets – are having an immediate and positive impact. Other important steps like helping more women enter male-dominated sectors will make pay gaps bigger in the short-term.

"What’s crucial is that firms take concrete action and talk openly about how it’s working if they want their people and the public to believe that they mean what they say about closing their gaps.

“It’s also important to remember that businesses can’t close the gap by themselves.  Many of the causes lie outside the workplace including a lack of affordable, high-quality childcare and better careers advice.  Companies and Government working together remains the best way to deliver the long-term, lasting change that’s needed.”