The discrepancy between the money earned by men and woman is ‘at risk of worsening’, warn campaigners
Women in full-time employment earn almost £5000 a year less than men – often more – according to a new report.
The bleak picture has been highlighted by the Fawcett Society and the TUC after looking at official stats. It’s all to mark today – aka Equal Pay Day 2013 – which highlights the point in the year when the 15% gender pay gap basically means women ‘stop’ earning.
The concern comes from the on-going trend in the workplace of women generally being the ones losing their jobs, then being in the minority when it comes to getting new ones, as well as there being a lack of part-time and flexible options for those with children.
‘Across the UK today, women in full-time work earn an average 15% less an hour than men. For every pound men take home, women are getting just 85p,’ says Charlie Woodworth of the Fawcett Society.
‘We urgently need a dedicated women’s employment strategy.
Across the UK today, women in full-time work earn an average 15% less an hour than men
This must address the dominance of women in low paid work – two thirds of those earning minimum wage or below are women – the ways in which the current labour market prevents women’s fully participating – the lack of flexible working practices for example – and the very real risk of the gender pay gap widening.’
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