Mims Davies said today that more must be done to close the gender pay gap as figures from her constituency show that men are earning 23.5% more than women.
The Eastleigh MP, who sits on the Women and Equalities Select Committee, said the local figures – above the UK average of 19.2% - were very disappointing but not surprising and she supports the government’s efforts to tackle the issue.
The hourly wage for men in Eastleigh is £14.16, but for women it is £10.83.
“I fully support the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut the gender pay gap within a generation,” Mims said.
“While nationally the gap is now the lowest on record any gap is too great and women must be paid the same.
“Expecting all companies with more than 250 employees to publish their gender pay gap on their website – including their bonus gap – will start to get this job done and I very much support this and the producing of league tables by sector so there is true transparency.
“In Eastleigh, the figure is not great but there are other areas, particularly in South East England, with much greater gaps.
"In the coming months I will be talking with local businesses and women’s groups in the constituency to see how this can be addressed locally and ensuring the steps the Government have laid out are taking place.”