Vol. 410 No. 7
31 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the 40 per cent differentiation between the average industrial wage for men and women in this country; if he will outline the proposals, if any, he has to bridge this differentiation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the substantial difference between the average industrial wages for men and women and I agree that the situation is far from satisfactory. I should explain, however, that the differences in industrial earnings result from a wide range of factors. These include levels of wage rates, but also hours worked, overtime payments, shift or unsocial hours premia, payments by results, bonuses for output levels and payments for length of service. It is as well to recognise also that industrial wage statistics cover only a percentage of women who are at work, many of whom are segregated into certain low pay areas and confined to a restricted range of jobs.
While I intend to make a number of changes to the employment equality legislation to simplify it and make it more effective, in the context of reducing and eventually eliminating the differential which exists, I would attach greater importance to improving access for women to a wider range of jobs and jobs at higher levels. In that regard several steps are already being taken, particularly in the areas of improved training and access to employment and positive action.
I am particularly anxious that further positive action programmes are implemented in both the public and private sectors. Towards that end, in conjunction with the EEA during 1990, I launched the equality focus award scheme to encourage employers to implement positive action initiatives.
