FUJITSU has been praised for its efforts in reducing the gender pay gap.

The Basingstoke-based IT solutions firm has outlined its gender diversity action plan to close their already decreasing gender pay gap of 16.4 per cent.

In a bid to champion gender diversity, the firm has trained its recruitment partners and hiring managers in 50:50 shortlisting and focussed on barriers that women often come across in the recruitment process.

Basingstoke’s MP, Maria Miller, recently visited Fujitsu to hear about the company’s future plans for the area.

Staff at the firm told the MP that to overcome some of these barriers Fujitsu worked with managers to think about what new skills, backgrounds or personality types would help make their team stronger.

This also involved taking on candidates who needed further development and training and to advertise the role as being open to flexible working practices.

Mrs Miller said: “It was really good to meet with Fujitsu and discuss their vision in an ever changing technological environment.”

The MP added: “I was also struck by the company’s commitment to closing the gender pay gap and the importance of including flexible working practices to ensure that the gap continues to close.

“Fujitsu is also committed to enhancing links with the local community of Basingstoke.”