NORTH Yorkshire County Council is making strides to close the gender pay gap.

In the past year, it has reduced the gap from 12.1 per cent to 10.9 per cent, significantly ahead of the national average, public sector average and Yorkshire and Humber regional average.

NYCC, one of the largest employers in the region, has pledged to continue to narrow the gap and is also challenging gender stereotypes.

It also boasts an increase of women in senior roles.

The gender pay gap should not be confused with equal pay, to which the council also has a robust approach.

Where two people are doing the same job, or a job rated the same in terms of value, they will be paid at the same rate.

All jobs are evaluated and pay is determined by a national recognised job evaluation schemes implemented jointly with Unison.

Cllr Gareth Dadd, executive member for human resources, said: "We continue to make good progress and expect the next set of figures to show further steady improvement, but we must and will do more.

"There is no quick fix, but we have a systemic approach to promoting equality and inclusion."