Large firms will be required to publish the average salary of men and women across every level of their organisation as part of Labour efforts to deliver equal pay.

Shadow women and equalities minister Gloria de Piero made the commitment in a speech to Labour activists in Manchester.

The measure will apply to all firms with more than 250 staff and would show if all the highest-paid roles were being done by men or if male workers were earning more than women in equivalent roles.

At the Labour women's conference, Ms de Piero said: "Under a Labour government for the first time, companies with more than 250 staff will have to publish pay figures so women can see if all the jobs at the top of the organisation are being done by men or if they are doing the same jobs as their male colleague for less pay.

"It took a Labour government to pass the Equal Pay Act and it will take a Labour government to deliver equal pay.

"Because we are the party of equality and only a Labour government - with women's voices at its heart - will deliver a better future for women and their families."

The commitment is to implement Section 78 of the 2010 Equality Act which was not implemented by the coalition Government.

Ms de Piero said: "We passed the Equality Act but the Tories and Liberals ditched the bit which would have helped us make progress on equal pay. And now, under the Tories and Lib Dems, we've gone into reverse."