Harman unveils new equality plans

Unions and campaign groups broadly welcomed measures unveiled by Equality Minister Harriet Harman to create a "new era of openness" on pay to stop women earning less than men.

The minister also drew support for announcing that discrimination against older people in the provision of goods and services will be outlawed.

But the Tories described the measures as a "missed opportunity", while business leaders warned that new equality legislation would create a "box-ticking" culture and bring minimal diversity benefits.

Ms Harman told MPs that the Government wanted to create a "radical shift" to fighting unfairness and "breathe new life" into equality measures.

The minister complained that at the current rate of progress it would take 80 years for women to be paid the same as men, adding that it was impossible to check whether firms were discriminating when pay rates were hidden.

Just as schools have to publish exam results, firms should report on "key equality issues" such as pay, said Ms Harman, adding: "This will put the spotlight on pay unfairness."

The minister also told the Commons that "sexism in the City" would be put under the spotlight by checking on firms' attitudes and policies on equality issues such as pay.

Ms Harman said action would also be taken to stop older people being discriminated against on goods and services, such as being denied insurance or health treatment.

The minister confirmed that firms would be allowed to take positive action to recruit women or people from ethnic minorities, saying it would help the police make more progress on diversifying its workforce.