Unions demand end to 'scandalous' pay gap

Trade unions stepped up their pressure on the Government to introduce more equality at work yesterday, urging legislation to force employers to review their pay policy.

Trade unions stepped up their pressure on the Government to introduce more equality at work yesterday, urging legislation to force employers to review their pay policy.

Ministers should draw up measures to end the "scandalous" pay gap between men and women that still exists in Britain. "We urge the Government to review Britain's equality pay legislation. It is out of date and offensive to women," a trade union source said.

To mark International Women's Day, unions also demanded that equal pay legislation should be improved with an update of anti-discrimination measures. Tessa Jowell, the minister for Women, yesterday launched a drive to achieve a 50 per cent representation of women in public life.

Tony Blair has repeatedly been urged to change the law to let political parties select candidates using all-women shortlists by updating the Sex Discrimination Act. When challenged on the issue during question time, the Prime Minister said: "We recognise there is still a long way to go and we intend to get there."