Paid less than your male colleagues? Here's what to do

So sign your name, tweet using the hashtag #whatimworth and do your bit to get the law changed. But, in the meantime, there are things you can do to improve your personal pay packet.

"Employers must give men and women equal treatment in the terms and conditions of their employment and this includes pay", says Cotton. "If you feel there is a difference you have a right to ask your employer for information."

Speak to your HR department

"You need to get an idea of what the organisation is rewarding and why. Is it a case of rewarding performers more, or is it linked to length of service? Has someone been brought in from outside on higher pay? There may be a defence that the employer can use for the pay gap but it may not be relevant. It depends on the individual circumstances."

Get legal advice

Try the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and information on solicitors specialising in employment law. "The law gives a woman a right to be paid the same as a man for ‘like’ work – where work is the same or broadly similar," says Cotton. "If you feel this isn’t happening, you can compare your pay package against the individual elements of a male colleague’s pay."

And if nothing else works? Consider an employment tribunal

"You can do this while you are still working at the organisation or for up to six months after you’ve left." If you win your case, your employer will be forced to raise your pay to match your male colleague’s.

Have your say on the gender pay gap with Telegraph Wonder Women and Grazia using the hashtag #whatimworth

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