Some are more equal than others

Revelations on Nov. 10, 1999, that the three female members of successful band Steps earn half the salaries of their male colleagues highlights the continued problem of the pay gap between men and women. The Equal Opportunities Commission has launched a fresh assault on a problem which remains widespread 20 years after the introduction of the Equal Pay Act. Research by the British Film Institute has revealed that 13% of women, but just 4% of men, in television earn less than 10,000 pounds sterling. Actors' union Equity has found that, on average, women receive 34% less than men for playing lead roles.