Will gender pay gap reporting close the gender pay gap?

Yesterday a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that female employees earn on average 18% less than men.

The research from the IFS also found that the pay gap experienced by women increases after they have children, suggesting that pregnant workers may be missing out on the chance of promotions and pay rises.

Speaking to Business Grapevine, Elizabeth Lang, a Partner at Bird & Bird LLP, says the gender pay gap is unlikely to be closed until there are wider changes in society with more men taking up caring responsibilities (now possible with the advent of shared parental leave) and more women taking up senior roles.

As a result, workplaces will become more flexible as more employers adopt practices designed to encourage women to put themselves forward for opportunities.