Human rights body argues women and minorities still held back in Scotland

The report will warn that women are still less likely to be employed than men and that those who do work earn less than men. It will also state their careers are hindered by sexual harassment as well as an absence of opportunities for progression and that the gender pay gap indicates “shocking” levels of inequality.

Lesley Sawers, Scotland Commissioner for the EHRC, said there had been limited progress since 2015 but that it was slow and inconsistent.

She added: “Despite efforts made by the Scottish government and many others the same problems which have been highlighted in previous reviews are still apparent.

“The stark reality of inequality in Scotland today is that too often people are unable to realise their full potential, are excluded from positions of influence, and experience prejudice and discrimination in daily life.”

The commission also states the majority of women in poverty are from working households, while the disabled and women are most at risk from the worst poverty.

The report notes: “Unfairness is hardwired into the UK government tax and spend policies, with some groups – black women, Bangladeshis and disabled people – suffering disproportionately.”

According to one study cited in the report, 30 per cent of women and six per cent of men believe they have been sexually harassed at work.

The report recommends the UK government introduce a law imposing a duty on employers to protect workers from harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace.

A Scottish Government spokesman told The Herald: “Equality is at the heart of our vision for a fairer Scotland and despite equalities legislation being largely reserved, we continue to take decisive action on this issue.

“Our Programme for Government makes clear our determination to improve the position of women in the workplace. We have established a Gender Pay Gap Working Group that includes stakeholders such as the STUC.

“The working group will help to inform the development of the Scottish government’s Gender Pay Gap Action Plan which is due for publication by the end of 2018.”