The Government aims to reduce the nation's gender pay gap through the development of a voluntary calculation tool.

Current figures show the gap currently sits at 8.6 per cent - and has remained persistent at around 9 percent from 2018.

Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says businesses need a consistent and simple tool to measure their pay gaps, and then develop solutions.

"We think this is a really important first step - so businesses can take those steps and we can see the gender pay gap reduce."

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