Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

A number of women may still be suffering from gender-related pay gaps, according to one expert.

Recent survey figures published by the Fawcett Society and Unison and show that 85 per cent of people believe pay audits should be introduced to encourage employers to focus more on equal pay levels.

Maxine Benson, co-founder of the training and support organisation Everywoman, now suggests that some female workers might not even be aware of the gender pay gaps affecting them.

She added that awareness of pay gaps must be raised because "as long as things are hidden and not spoken about, they will never go away, whether we are talking about pay or any form of discrimination."

Ms Benson added that women employees should feel more confident when it comes to talking about pay-related issues and asking for better wages.

Everywoman aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting female employees in the UK, while looking to help women achieve their business goals.

Employment lawyer Shelley North commented: "This follows recent reports of huge gender pay gaps in the City but employers should be aware that the problem is widespread and has not only registered on the radar of the most highly paid.

"In light of such negative publicity, and the Equality Bill proposal to outlaw payment secrecy clauses, public awareness is on the up.

"Employers should consider taking positive action to evaluate remuneration packages if they wish to minimise the risk of expensive litigation at a later stage."