Patricia Hewitt

Ministers have announced plans to create a new commission to look into women's pay.

Speaking on Saturday, the prime minister said the commission would examine the problem of the gender pay gap and other issues affecting women's employment.

Issues to be considered include access to education and skills, promotion and career progression, the effect of having children, and the different experiences of women working full-time and part-time.

The gender pay gap currently stands at 18 per cent for full-time workers and 40 per cent for part-time workers.

Industry secretary and minister for women Patricia Hewitt said progress had been made on the issue since the 1970s.

"Making progress on the gender pay gap is a key priority because we have to draw on the skills and talents of all potential workers - men and women," she said.

"Women have the right to expect a fair deal in the labour market."

The new body will be chaired by Margaret Prosser, chairman of the Women's National Commission and former deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union.

Tony Blair announced that the new body would report directly to him.

"The pay gap between men and women has narrowed since 1997 but it is still too big," he said.

The prime minister also pledged to help women with child care concerns.

However Theresa May, shadow minister for the family, said that the plans were inadequate.

"After seven years in government the prime minister is only offering yet more warm words and platitudes," she said.

"Establishing a commission that may take many years to report will not disguise the fact that Tony Blair's government has failed to deliver on its commitment to equality in the workplace."