Gender audits may be made compulsory

Companies may be required to publish details of how female workers' conditions compare with that of men, under plans being drawn up by Denise Kingsmill, chair of the Women's Employment and Pay Review, set up by the government in April.

Kingsmill's report recommends that companies be asked to report to their shareholders with details of their approach to employment and promotion opportunities. She believes that firms should voluntarily carry out annual surveys of men and women's pay rates.

The plans are likely to be unpopular with business organisations such as the CBI, which is opposed to pay audits on the grounds that they increase administrative burdens on companies.

The report is due to be presented to trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt after the summer.