Urgent measures are needed by employers and the government to close the gender pay gap, according to a new report. The Fawcett Society said women face “double trouble” because of the combined impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the difference in their pay compared with men.
The campaign group said its research showed that during 2022 women will, on average, take home £564 less than men each month, up from £536 in 2021. Its survey of almost 2,000 women also found that one in three would like to work more paid hours than they currently do but are unable to because of a lack of flexible working options or affordable childcare as well as the impact of their caring responsibilities.
Jemima Olchawski, Fawcett Society chief executive, said: “It is unacceptable that the gender pay gap has barely shifted in the past few years, especially given the cost-of-living crisis is hitting women the hardest and forcing them to make impossible choices. Our poll shows many women are struggling to pay their household bills – with women of colour even worse hit.
