Kate Green MP, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, commenting on the report from the Women and Equalities Select Committee today which highlights the lack of effective policy by government in tackling the gender pay gap, said:

“Today’s report repeats what Labour have been saying for some time: that the Tory Government has had little to say on the chronic, persistent low pay in sectors like care, retail and cleaning where women are over represented in the workforce. Until the pay, status and prospects for progression in these sectors improve, the gender pay gap will not be eliminated.

“The report demonstrates the damaging impact of the Tories’ introduction of employment tribunal fees now that it costs women up to £1,200 to bring forward an equal pay claim to tribunal.

“The Government must show that they are serious about getting to the root causes of the gender pay gap and bring forward a proper strategy to address the experiences of the thousands of women trapped in low paid, undervalued sectors with poor prospects of progression.”