BURY companies could be kings of the Castle!

For along with their counterparts throughout the region, they are being urged to apply for a Castle Award.

This is the new mark of excellence rewarding employers' work in tackling equal pay issue.

In the North West, the average difference between men and women's earnings is 17.6 per cent smaller than the national 18 per cent pay gap.

These new awards form part of the package of Government action to tackle the gender pay gap. And will also enable women job seekers to search out those employers offering the best equal pay deals.

The Castle Awards, named after Barbara Castle who introduced the Equal Pay Act in 1970, are open to individual employees as well as employers of all sizes and from all sectors.

These new marks of excellence will be presented to successful applicants at an awards ceremony in October.

There are six winners over three categories, as well as awards for those highly commended.

Applications are open from today with a closing date of June 15. Employers can contact the Castle Awards Administrator, Women and Equality Unit, 2nd Floor, 10, Great George Street, London.