It's been a busy couple of weeks...helping to fight for people's rights!

I've taken part in Amnesty International's "Protect the Human" campaign and the joint Fawcett Society and Unison "Women's No Pay Day" (see below for more information and how to join in).

Women's No Pay Day: October 30
I am shocked that women in the South East face one of the highest pay gaps in the country (21.6%, compared with 17% nationally).

This means, on an average salary, women earn £4,000 less a year than men. In effect, women stop being paid on October 30 - while men continue to be paid until the end of the year.

I am supporting the joint Fawcett and Unison "Women's No Pay Day" campaign; you may have heard an interview with me on Southern FM. I'm urging employers in Brighton to ensure there is transparency of pay in their organisation and I'll be writing to the government calling for pay laws to be simplified.

A Labour government brought in the Equal Pay Act 30 years ago. But at the current rate of change, it would take another 80 years to close the full-time pay gap.

We need action now. It's high time women stopped being short-changed.

You can support the campaign by visiting www.fawcettsociety.org.uk

See what Unison had to say by visiting www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=3767

Amnesty International and "Protect the Human": October 13-19

Protect the Human
I joined local Labour Party members in Withdean to support a letter-writing party as part of Amnesty International's "Protect the Human" campaign.

Members wrote letters campaigning against a range of ongoing human rights abuses: from opposing the continued trade in instruments of torture, to controlling the trade in weapons, to stopping violence against women and honour killings.

Everyone should have the right to live a life free from violence and the fear of violence. Amnesty offers routes for everyone to participate in campaigning activities.

Visit www.amnesty.org.uk and write a letter today.

Tags: Equal Pay

Posted on November 5, 2007 in Campaigns, Jobs.