Women's lower wages 'hitting the economy'

The economy is suffering because "career sexism" is keeping women's wages well below those of men, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt warned today.

She attacked the "macho male image" surrounding some jobs and announced a new drive to help women wishing to work in maledominated sectors such as IT and science.

Mrs Hewitt was speaking at a Downing Street conference hosted by the Chancellor.

The gender and work summit, organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission, was expected to call on policymakers and business to find ways of improving Britain's productivity through encouraging women back into the workforce.

Lower pay is seen as a major deterrent, with women in full-time jobs earning 19 per cent less than men, according to the EOC. A new report by the Commission also shows that one in five women who becomes pregnant either resigns, is sacked, or suffers severe financial losses, including being unable to return to her previous job.

The DTI plans to fund an expert panel run by the TUC which advises firms on equal pay. EOC research last year showed people believe the wages gap is due to "natural differences" between the sexes.