Prime Minister David Cameron has announced plans to compel large firms and charities to disclose data on the gender pay gap among their employees.

A consultation on the measure, which Cameron believes will “create the pressure we need for change, driving women’s wages up”, begins today.

The consultation document, titled Closing the Gender Pay Gap, asks for views on “how to implement our manifesto commitment to require larger private and voluntary sector employers in Great Britain to publish gender pay information”.

Writing in the foreword, Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan says: “We believe that greater transparency will encourage employers and employees to consider what more can be done to close any pay gaps.

“Doing this will take us a step further on the path to closing the gender pay gap in a generation.

“Employers with a positive story to tell will attract the best talent.

“We are also seeking views on wider action that can be taken to inspire girls and young women, modernise workplaces and support older working women.

“By understanding and overcoming those barriers that can prevent women from achieving their full potential, and tackling all forms of sexism, we can together make the gender pay gap a thing of the past.”