GIRLS need to study science and maths to make them better equipped to enter traditionally male-dominated, higher paid sectors, according to the CBI.

The employers' organisation claims this, together with increased help for working mothers, would do more to close the gender gap than the introduction of compulsory pay audits.

Publishing its submission to the Women and Work Commission, the CBI said the pay gap between men and women has narrowed from 37 per cent in 1970 to 14 per cent now.

Nigel Bourne, CBI South East regional director, said: "The causes of the pay gap are much more complex than just unfair discrimination.

"We need to provide women who are trying to balance work with family responsibilities with more chances, in particular better childcare and flexible working patterns, including more high quality part-time jobs.

"We also need to see more imaginative careers advice to ensure that more women set their sights on higher paying jobs.

"Equal pay audits have a role to play, but they are not a magic bullet and could well divert attention away from more effective ways of closing the pay gap for ever.

"Making pay audits compulsory would have little impact on the gender pay gap but would put a real burden on companies."

As well as encouraging the study of science and maths, the CBI would like to see girls take on more business focused work experience and promote life-long learning among women who return to the labour market after time away.

It also wants to give better guidance to small companies on parental rights, improve contact between employer and employee during maternity leave, boost the provision of state-funded childcare and encourage firms to create more high-quality part-time job opportunities.