Recent analysis from the BBC shows the gender pay gap – the difference between the pay of male and female employees – is still too wide.

BBC News online reported that: “Four in 10 private companies that have published their latest gender pay gap are reporting wider gaps than they did last year.” With the biggest offenders including Kwik Fit, Npower and Virgin Atlantic.

Gender pay is a subject I have been harping on about for many years. But why?!

The Equal Pay Act was first passed in 1970 to prevent less favourable treatment between men and women regarding their working pay and conditions. And almost 50 years later we are still having the debate because it’s still relevant and an issue…

Regardless of how many regulations (Equality Act 2010) and requirements (Hampton-Alexander Review target of 33% of women on boards by 2020) the government puts in place, we still seem to take two steps forward and one back. Yes, progress is being made, but not enough, and not consistently.

So let’s keep shining a spotlight on the subject, in the hope it will ensure it’s not an issue that’s still being discussed 50 years hence.

For the full BBC analysis and story see BBC News online.