The European Parliament has urged the European Commission to improve existing EU legislation to close the gender pay gap, including stricter sanctions on employers.

The appointment of women to FTSE 350-listed non-executive director roles is being held back by selection processes which ultimately favour candidates with similar characteristics to existing male-dominated board members, according to a new report released by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Business Secretary, Vince Cable has presented the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill to Parliament.

A new study for Working Families and Netmums has found overwhelming opposition to plans to reduce maternity leave to 18 weeks. Working Families employer members have also voiced concerns about reducing maternity leave to 18 weeks and warn of hidden costs to business.