The chief executive of Shoosmiths says the national firm has more work to do to close its gender pay gap after becoming one of two law firms among over 530 employers so far to report figures as required by law. 

Organisations with 250 or more workers must publish four sets of figures on pay differentials by April. According to data published on the government's website, women are paid 13% less an hour (median) than men.

Claire Rowe, Shoosmiths' chief executive, said the firm's median pay gap is below the national average but acknowledged 'there is still more work to be done'.

The firm has set up a gender equality working group which reports directly to the firm's board. Rowe said: 'The group was established in recognition of the fact that a series of actions need to be taken at a firm level to advance gender equality. Membership is representative of the firm and includes myself. It provides a sounding board to discuss issues and potential solutions.'

Shoosmiths has also established a network of groups which contribute to its diversity and inclusion strategy and support staff's career development 'by helping address the issues they face in both their work and personal life that could hinder their development', Rowe said.

She added: 'On top of this, we are introducing agile working across our offices while at the same time offering alternate progression routes such as introducing a legal director role.'

Women at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang are paid 32.8% less than men per hour. Their bonus pay was 30.4% lower than their male colleagues.

CMS was keen to publish its figures early to show that it is 'deeply committed to respect and all aspects of diversity and inclusion'. The firm calculates that on the fee-earner side, apart from minimal pay gaps in its Bristol office, 'the overall picture at the various levels and offices shows no pay gap'. 

The firm was, however, disappointed with its bonus pay gap picture. It said: 'These figures are based on all financial bonuses received in the 12 months preceding the snapshot date of 5 April 2017. This is perhaps a result of more men successfully exceeding the ATR bonus threshold. As the firm-wide bonus applies to all employees present during the requisite financial year, we have a healthy proportion of male and females receiving bonuses as a general principle.'

Elsewhere, the figures show the Ministry of Justice pays women 10.6% less than men per hour. Women received 16.7% less than men in bonus pay. The Crown Prosecution Service pays women 25.3% less than men per hour. Bonus pay is 1.7% lower.