Andrew’s gender pay gap plea

PRINCE Andrew has spoken out about the gender pay gap, declaring that employers ‘cannot afford to ignore 50 per cent of the population’.

The Duke of York spoke alongside women and equalities minister Penny Mordaunt at an event for business leaders at St James’s Palace on Thursday. He said: ‘We are talking about people’s talent... about people’s capabilities. In the 21st century it should not make a difference if you are a male or female. We cannot afford to ignore the abilities of 50 per cent of the population.’

Andrew, not previously known for championing women in industry, has established the Pitch@Palace enterprise since a string of scandals forced him to give up his special trade envoy role in 2011. It links up budding entrepreneurs with those able to invest in them.