Government data suggests 77% of UK firms 'paying men more than women'

22 Mar 2018

Data published by the Government Equalities Office has suggested that 77% of UK firms who have unveiled their gender pay gap figures pay male employees more than female employees.

New rules introduced from 6 April 2017 mean that large businesses are required by law to publish their gender pay gap figures on their website. Voluntary and private sector employers with 250 employees or more must publish their figures by 4 April 2018. Public sector employers must publish their figures by 30 March 2018.

The data found that around 14% of firms pay women more than men, and 8% have ‘no gender pay gap at all’.

The Government Equalities Office also revealed that more than 6,000 businesses are yet to publish their gender pay gap figures. Businesses who fail to report their figures before the deadline could face legal action, the government warned.

Commenting on the data, a Home Office spokesperson said: ‘This government is clear that tackling injustices like the gender pay gap is part of building a country that works for everyone. Shining a light on where women are being held back means employers can begin to take action.’