Female workers feel they are underpaid

Female workers in the UK continue to feel the effects of the gender pay gap, according to new research from MySalaryChecker.com.

The research from the salary comparative site revealed the majority of women (80%) in the UK felt they were being underpaid, a third (38%) of whom thought by as much as 25%.

Around a third (33%) of female workers expect a pay rise of between 2% and 4% this year, while only 28% of men have the same aspirations.

In addition, 31% of women suspect their colleagues at the same level get paid more than they do, while less than a quarter (23%) of men admitted to the same suspicions.

The majority of female workers (75%) admitted to being unaware of the industry standard for their role.

However, over a third of men (35%) knew what they should be earning and were prepared to ensure their employer knew too.

Andy Powell, marketing director at Adecco, one of the organisations behind MySalaryChecker.com, said: “It is particularly disturbing that female workers have the perception they are underpaid but are not confident in understanding what they may be worth in the jobs market. 

“We would actively encourage both male and female workers to understand what the market rate is for their role, taking a realistic view of their skills and experience.

“Understanding what you are worth is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself when you are assessing a job offer, negotiating your salary, looking at qualifications or simply looking to make an impression in your role.”

Read more articles on the gender pay gap