According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s gender pay gap has fallen to its lowest level to date at 8.6% for full-time employees.
The pay gap between men and women in full-time work has dropped from a rate of 9.1% in 2016. The overall gender pay gap for both full-time and part-time roles fell from 18.4% in 2017 to 17.9%.
The ONS analysis revealed that the gap for these aged 18-39 in full time employment is close to zero, but it begins to widen from the age of 40.
The pay gap is largest amongst skilled trade occupations at 23.9%, followed by process plant and machine operatives (19.1%), and managers, directors and senior officials (13.6%)
The location with the largest divide is the capital with a difference of 13.7% between male and female pay.
Rob Shaw Managing Director at Glu Recruit said: “It’s great to see progress in this area, however the rate of progress is still very slow.
“Some women will have spent decades- and possibly their whole professional career- earning less than men and this is both a loss on their part, as well as for the economy as a whole.
“It is reported that improving the country’s stance on gender equality could unlock £150 billion for the economy.
“It’s key that businesses make a dedicated effort to ensure equality- in pay and in office culture.”
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