New Data Reveals Gender Pay Gap Discrepancies Across Workplaces in Wales
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has recently released new figures showcasing the ongoing gender pay gap across various workplaces in Wales. While there has been a gradual decrease in the gender pay gap over the years, the data still highlights that men tend to earn more than women in most areas of Wales.
According to the latest statistics published on October 28th, men in Wales, on average, earn a higher hourly wage than women. In April 2024, the average hourly rate for men in the UK was £18.26, while women earned significantly less at £15.87. In Wales specifically, men earn 6.8% more than women across all job types, which is the lowest gender pay gap percentage compared to other regions in the UK.
The gender pay gap has seen a gradual decline in the UK overall, with the percentage of men earning more than women decreasing by half over the last two decades. Among full-time employees, the gender pay gap was 7% in April 2024. Interestingly, among part-time employees, women were found to earn 3% more than men.
While men, on average, earn more than women in most parts of Wales, there are some areas where this trend is reversed. For instance, in Carmarthenshire, women earn an average of 3.2% more than men. Similarly, Caerphilly and Bridgend display negative gender pay gaps of -3.3% and -4.6%, respectively. In contrast, Merthyr Tydfil has the highest gender pay gap in Wales, with men earning a substantial 18.7% more than women.
Other regions in Wales also exhibit varying levels of gender pay disparities, as illustrated by the following statistics based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE):
– Isle of Anglesey: 2.9%
– Gwynedd: 4.5%
– Conwy: 16.8%
– Denbighshire: 14%
– Flintshire: 16.2%
– Wrexham: 1%
– Powys: 4.7%
– Ceredigion: 0.6%
– Pembrokeshire: 9.6%
– Swansea: 4.4%
– Neath Port Talbot: 0.3%
– Bridgend: -4.6%
– Vale of Glamorgan: 16.8%
– Cardiff: 8.8%
– Rhondda Cynon Taf: 7.2%
– Monmouthshire: 12.4%
– Newport: 1.3%
The data underscores the importance of addressing and rectifying gender pay gaps to ensure equal opportunities and fair compensation for all workers in Wales. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue efforts in promoting gender equality in the workplace to create a more inclusive and equitable society.