Do you like working an extra four months to earn the same salary as someone else? Guess what - you just did.

It's over 30 years since the Equal Pay Act was passed in the UK. But women in Britain and much of the European Union are still only earning, on average, 82 per cent of what men earn. The difference can add up to as much as £250,000 over a lifetime.

The government has finally recognised the problem. Patricia Hewitt, trade and industry secretary, recently announced plans to give women new rights to equal pay. She wants big companies to disclose their pay rates for women in their annual reports and to conduct pay reviews of their most junior and senior staff.

However the plans have been criticised by campaign groups who claim they do not go far enough. All suggestions are voluntary although companies could be taken to an employment tribunal if they refuse to comply. The Employment Bill is currently going through parliament.

But what can you do in the meantime to make sure you're not short-changed? Learn how to bridge the wage gap in your workplace with these tips:

1. Know your worth and negotiate for an appropriate salary. Remember that your point of entry on the wage scale will affect your pension, promotions and pay rises.

2. Search out specific salary surveys for your chosen field. Professional associations, trade magazines, and women's professional organisations can offer resources. Look at job vacancies on the Internet, at your local library, in newspapers and the trade press to check out the going rate for your job.

3. Try to find out what your company pays. Approach your personnel department or your manager for a breakdown of wage categories or salary ranges for specific positions.