Employers told to disclose bonuses pay gap

Companies will be forced to publish details of bonus payments they make to male and female employees as part of David Cameron's drive to tackle the gender pay gap.

The prime minister has described the gap as "a standing rebuke to our country" adding that the lack of income equality was denying women opportunities.

The requirement to disclose will also include the public sector as part of a Government to bring women's earnings in line with those of men, who earn on average 19.1% more.

The new rules will apply to large firms with more than 250 employees and cover around 10 million workers across the country.

Downing Street said it was the first of a number of equality-boosting measures to be set out in the coming days.

Mr Cameron addressed the issue at the Conservative conference saying his own daughters could face gender discrimination over pay. He told delegates: "You can't have true opportunity without real equality."

Chartered Management Institute chief executive Ann Francke said: "One of the biggest drivers of gender pay discrepancy, especially at senior levels, is the bonus gap.

"Bonuses are also where gender bias can creep in easily as they are amongst the least transparent forms of pay.

"The Government's new reporting legislation is a welcome step forward and will be good news for business. Clearer employee data, improved recruitment and a reinvigorated focus on business culture will help unblock the talent pipeline and support more women to become senior managers and leaders."

A report into a government-commissioned review of the gender pay gap is due to be published shortly.