Kevin Beare & Co International Accountants – Gender pay gap at record low
The average pay gap between men and women has shrunk to its lowest figure since comparative records began in 1997, official figures reveal.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the gender pay gap was 9.4% in April 2014.
The gap has narrowed from 17.4% in 1997 and 10% in April 2013.
ONS data shows:
- the private sector gender pay gap shrunk from 19.2% to 17.5% in the year to April 2014
- the gap in the public sector increased from 9.5% to 11% over the same period
- on average, men earned £558 per week while women earned £462
- the gap varies between occupation, ranging from 3% in sales and customer service to almost 25% in skilled trades.
Minister for Women, Equalities and Business Jo Swinson said:
“It’s good news to see a significant reduction in the pay gap over the last year. We should value the contribution of women and men in the workplace equally, so our vision has to be eliminating the pay gap completely.”
Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan said:
“We have more women in work than ever before, but businesses need to value diversity in their workforce and pay attention to the role of women in their organisations.”