WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is calling for major companies to publish any pay gap between men and women.

Mrs Jones this week voted in Parliament to introduce pay transparency.

The measure will require companies which employ over 250 staff to publish their own gender pay gap in their annual report.

Labour MPs were joined by four of the original Dagenham women who went on strike for equal pay leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970, as well as the stars of the hit musical ‘Made in Dagenham’ including Gemma Arterton and Isla Blair.

Despite Labour voting through the motion this week, LibDem and Conservative MPs failed to vote in favour after the government indicated that it did not intend to make pay transparency the law.

Women reportedly earn an average 81p for every pound earned by men.

Analysis suggests women can earn an average £209,976 less over their lifetime than men.

Mrs Jones said: “Women and their families across Warrington will be wondering why the Tories and LibDems failed to back equal pay for women here and across the country.

"Warrington women shouldn’t have to wait another generation for equal pay.

"Pay transparency will shine a light on the problem and help employers to close the pay gap once and for all."