Equal pay for women a distant prospect

19 September 2008

It has been estimated that it will take until 2195 before women’s pay overtakes that of men, the Chartered Management Institute has said.

A survey carried out by the Institute found that on average female executives earn £32,164 a year compared with the average take-home pay of £46,269 earned by their male counterparts.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Institute, said: “At least with a glass ceiling it is possible to see through to the next level.

“However, when it comes to equal pay, it seems that the glass is now opaque. To have to wait several generations is inexcusable and it is time that the lip service of the three decades since sex discrimination was first outlawed is transformed into action.”

Harriet Harman, minister for women and equality, commented: “It’s simply wrong to pay women less than men. There is also a clear business case for equal pay – it increases staff loyalty and attracts talent.

“Our tough new equality bill will increase transparency so women can see if they are paid fairly. Government is playing its part, but businesses must also play theirs.”