Lamentable though it is that women are not remunerated equally with men in the legal profession, I fear the reason for the indefatigable ‘gender gap’ is one of nature and economics rather than any sinister motive.

A free labour market in a capitalist economy will naturally discriminate against certain classes of persons who, on the whole, are less productive. Some women choose to have children and so are entitled to maternity leave. As a consequence, women, as a whole and all other matters being equal, work less than do men. In an efficient labour system the value of these fewer hours will equate to precisely that of the value of the ‘gender gap’.

Until, therefore, legislation is in place to guarantee that the level of maternity and paternity pay, and leave, is precisely equal for men and women, there will remain an economic disincentive to employ women of child-bearing age when compared to men. Reform of labour laws should accordingly be the primary focus for those seeking equality.

Robert Cumming, solicitor, Leeds