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<p>The rate at which the gender pay gap will narrow is dependent on a large number
of complex factors but this government is working hard to help employers close the
gap as soon as possible. Whilst we are pleased that the gap is at a record low of
17.9%, having dropped by 9.6 percentage points since 1997, there is more to do to
ensure this progress continues.</p><p>In 2017 we introduced ground-breaking regulations
requiring large employers to publish their gender pay gaps annually. We are now supporting
employers to develop action plans and take effective steps to reduce their gaps.</p><p>The
government is also:</p><p>- Spending around £6billion in 2019-20 on childcare support
and we have already doubled the childcare entitlement for working parents of 3 and
4 year olds.</p><p>- Set up a taskforce to make flexible working a possibility for
all employees; and last year ran a £1.5million campaign promoting Shared Parental
Leave.</p><p>- Supporting the Hampton-Alexander Review, aiming to get more women into
senior leadership positions and improve gender diversity in the executive pipeline.</p><p>Taking
steps to break down gender stereotypes, including funding programmes in schools and
colleges to encourage more girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering
and maths.</p>
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