Scotland's lead in closing the gender pay gap at twice the rate of the rest of the UK is encouraging, East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald said.

New data shows that Scotland is on course to close its gender pay gap in approximately 11 years, compared to the UK's estimated 21 years.

The gap in Scotland currently stands at 8.7% compared to the UK's 14.3%, as per figures from the SPICe.

Ms Oswald, the SNP’s Westminster spokesperson for Women and Equalities, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see that Scotland continues to lead the way in equal pay in the UK.

“It’s unbelievable that many employers still fall short of equal pay in 2023, and that women are undervalued and underpaid compared with men in exactly the same roles – I welcome the Scottish Government’s action to address the structural inequalities that contribute to sustaining the gender pay gap, like expanding free early years provision and its Women Returners’ scheme."

MP Oswald said there is still work to do before Scotland reaches zero gender pay gap.

She added: "I would encourage all employers to ensure their employees are paid fairly and equally, and to look at how they can provide the conditions women workers need to excel."