by Stephen Cape
BBC Labour Affairs Correspondent
A landmark investigation into why women lag badly behind men in pay has called for a change of culture in schools and workplaces.
The Women and Work Commission concluded that the gender pay gap is worse in Britain than anywhere in Europe.
It found that women in full-time work were earning 17% less than men.
Among its 40 recommendations, the Commission said there should be more government support and improved vocational training.
Job segregation
It also believes girls should be encouraged to think about non-traditional jobs as well as apprenticeships for women, especially in sectors with skill shortages.
In its Shaping a Fairer Future report, the government-established Commission said those with child care responsibilities are often forced to take part-time employment below their skill level where the problem is even worse.
The report said that many women are in low-paid work such as cleaning and caring and it calculates that ending job segregation would benefit the economy by as much as Ј23bn.
The Commission's chairwoman, Margaret Prosser, called the situation an outrage.
Change needed
"Many women are working day-in, day-out far below their abilities," she said.
"If we do not make the fundamental change necessary to our school and workplace cultures new jobs and opportunities will be filled in the same old way and women will continue to lose out."
But there will be disappointment there is no recommendation for compulsory pay reviews which many unions have called for.
The Commission was set up by Tony Blair in 2004 to examine womens' experiences in the workplace and barriers affecting career progression.
During its inquiry, it took evidence from business, unions and other interest groups.
(BBC)
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