European gender pay gap remains

There has been little change to the gender pay gap in Europe over the past ten years, according to new figures released by the European Union.

Women across Europe earn an average of around 15 per cent less than male workers, compared with 17 per cent in 1995, and the gender pay gap has actually widened over the decade on some countries, such as Germany, Finland and Denmark.

Despite reports that women within the trading block continue to outperform men academically, there has been little shift in the pay disparity that exists between the sexes and commissioners are calling for greater action to tackle the gender pay gap.

The gender pay gap is significantly higher for workers with higher education qualifications (30 per cent) than it is for those with secondary education only (13 per cent).

In six countries across Europe, including Germany, the UK and Cyprus, the gender pay gap is higher than 20 per cent, with no signs of it narrowing "in any significant way".

"It is an unacceptable waste of resources for the economy and society which prevents the productive potential of women from being fully realised," the report states.

Amongst workers in Europe aged between 50 and 59-years-old, the gender pay gap currently stands at more than 30 per cent, whilst the discrepancy between men and women under 30 is just seven per cent.

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Date:19/07/2007 10:14:48