A council leader has challenged employers and union leaders to work for a fairer pay system for women.

Andy Smith, of Thurrock Council, made the call at a Closing the Pay Gap conference in Purfleet.

Equal pay for men and women led the agenda at the event organised by the borough council and Sheffield Hallam University.

Mr Smith said: "I am setting the council a challenge - that in two years we will be invited to other authorities to explain our success in tackling this issue inside the council and in the wider community."

Delegates heard that in Thurrock women earned only 71p for every pound earned by men, compared with 77p nationally.

Thurrock has been involved in a project called City-Dona, co-operating with councils in Spain, Italy and Portugal on equal opportunities.

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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