Statement by Julie Mellor - Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission

"The UK has the worst record in Europe on equal pay. Many employers don't even realise that their pay system could be biased against women, but they have a crucial part to play in reducing the pay gap. We set up the Equal Pay Task Force to find out what needs to be done to root out pay discrimination."

"Britain can't afford to ignore the pay gap. Closing the gap will be good for women, good for their families and good for the economy. To get equality into the pay packet we need the commitment of all key players - employers, the unions and the Government."