Trade unionists want govt to legislate for flexible working options

Trade unionists have urged employers to carry out audits of their pay-scales to ensure gender equality between male and female staff.

Research by the London School of Economics shows women in Europe could be earning less than their male counterparts for the next 150 years.

In Ireland, men earn an average of €180 a week more than women.

Esther Lynch of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions also wants the government to legislate for flexible options at work.

She said such legislation would result in the employer being required by law to consider employees requests.