Improving equality between women and men is essential to the EU's response to the current economic crisis, according to the European Commission's latest annual report on gender equality.

Introducing quotas to increase women's representation in political, administrative and business bodies and reducing the pay gap between women and men to respond to the current crisis are among the many proposals that have been approved by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights.

Edinburgh City Council has agreed to settle a large number of equal pay claims and withdraw an appeal to the Supreme Court, reports the BBC.

UNISON has welcomed a Court of Session judgment in favour of female members equal pay claims against Edinburgh City Council.