MP Sarah Champion wants to help Rotherham firms close gender pay gap

Her 2014 parliamentary bill called for employers with more than 250 staff to publish data showing the difference in men and women’s salaries.

The paper was passed overwhelmingly and the deadline for employers to submit their figures was yesterday (3).

In Rotherham, the overall gap is 14.43 per cent — slightly above the national average of 13.53. 

It is lower among private employers than in the public sector, where it rises to more than 17 per cent.

Ms Champion said: “Declaring your gender pay gap isn’t about punishing businesses. It’s about making a fair work place where everyone can reach their potential. 

“Under the Tory government, women living in households eligible for universal credit will lose £4,406 a year by April 2021 as a result of the combined impact of all changes to benefits and taxes.

“Breaking down the barriers that women face at work is more vital now than ever.”

A 2016 report by private sector think tank the McKinsey Global Institute report said closing the gap had the potential to add an extra £150 billion on the UK’s gross domestic product by 2025.

Ms Champion added: “Increasing female participation in the workplace and reducing the gender pay gap is not only morally right, it’s economically right.”

Women and equalities minister Amber Rudd said: “Reporting is an important first step, but what matters now is that employers actually take action. 

“While this is not mandatory, we strongly encourage employers to publish a plan alongside their figures.”