Scotland is expected to close the gender pay gap at twice the
rate of the rest of the UK, as figures reveal that the gender pay
gap between men and women is lower in Scotland is almost half
that of the rest of the UK.
According to figures from the SPICe, between April 2022 and April
2023 the gender pay gap for median gross hourly earnings
(excluding overtime and the self-employed) was 8.7% in Scotland
and 14.3% across the UK.
SPICe also calculated, using the three-year rolling average over
the last five years, that it will take 10.8 years to close
Scotland’s gender pay gap. In the UK, this is expected to take
20.9 years, with the gap widening in the last year.
Commenting, SNP MSP said:
“It is extremely encouraging to see that Scotland continues to
lead the way in equal pay in the UK.
“It’s unbelievable that many employers still fall short of equal
pay in 2023, and that women are undervalued and underpaid
compared with men in exactly the same roles – I welcome the
Scottish Government’s action to address the structural
inequalities that contribute to sustaining the gender pay gap,
like expanding free early years provision and its Women
Returners’ scheme.
“There is still work to do before we see a zero gender pay gap in
Scotland. I would encourage all employers to ensure their
employees are paid fairly and equally, and to look at how they
can provide the conditions women workers need to excel.”
