Alasdair Thompson, chief executive of the Employers & Manufacturers Association, says its only right that women should be paid more than men when their output and productivity is greater than men.

 We back higher pay for women when they’re doing a better job than men, he said.

 Mr Thomson said on NewstalkZB this morning that EMA supports and promotes equal pay for equal productivity no matter a person’s gender, age, or ethnicity.

 “We believe in and promote advancement of women in the workplace and in business,” he said.

 “It should not matter if a man or a woman is off work on sick leave more than others if their output is high they should be paid highly.

“And if a person’s productivity is more or less than someone else, that will be recognised in their pay.

 “It’s a pity if saying this is not pc.

 “EMA supports and promotes the work of the Equal Opportunities Trust, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).

 “We believe in the balancing of family and work responsibilities and the need for flexible work places to help achieve this.

 “Our businesses mostly recognise the value of this and we back them fully in their efforts to employ, develop and retain their skilled people.

 “The Equal Pay Act 1972 already makes it illegal to pay a different rate to a man and a woman doing the same work at the same standard and if there was widespread discrimination you would expect to see numerous court cases under the Equal Pay Act – there aren’t.

 “Requiring employers to record gender on pay records as the Greens Equal Pay Amendment Bill seeks to do would not help address pay issues one iota. It hasn’t in the UK where similar law has proved ineffective.

 “It would just be another time-consuming compliance requirement for employers.”