A debate on how women can receive greater recognition in the workplace is to be held in Oxford.

Five high-flying former students from Oxford Brookes University will gather for a public debate on how women’s talents can be used effectively during the recession.

The event is being chaired by top business coach Peninah Thomson, with the rest of the panel made up of Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone; Lou Willcock, founder of Indicater, a Henley-based company specialising in IT for the hospitality sector; Christine Kirby human resources manager at Thames Valley Police and Ulrike Rowbottom director of international transport and supply giant UTi Worldwide.

Ms Featherstone, who graduated from Oxford Polytechnic in 1974 berfore it became Brookes University, said: “The gender pay gap has remained intractable after 30 years of the equal pay act,’ she said. ‘My fear is that the economic downturn is having the greatest effect on low paid sectors where women traditionally work. They are the first to lose their jobs.

‘We need to demand action — otherwise, in another 30 years, things will be even worse for women.”

The alumni debate will be held at the Lloyd Lecture Theatre on Oxford Brookes’ Gipsy Lane site on April 1 at 6pm. It is open to the public and entry is free. Places must be reserved in advance either via www.brookes.ac.uk/alumni or by calling 01865 484989