Despite the Sex Discrimination Act being on the statute book for over 30 years, inequality remains a feature of the modern workplace. The pay gap between men and women remains wide, with part-time women earning nearly 40% less than men.

In an attempt to progress the long awaited call for equality, the Gender Equality Duty (GED) will come into force in April 2007. This legislation requires public authorities to take action to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination and harassment, and promote equality of opportunity between women and men.