16 January 2009
Government statistics are revealing that little progress is being made in reducing the pay gap which exists between male and female employees in the Highlands.
Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, says it is disappointing that the median full time hourly pay of women in the region has consistently been 10% lower than that of men.
“These figures are not about how much men get compared to women in the same jobs – but about salary levels.
“The gender pay gap in the UK can be explained by factors such as gender segregation, where some jobs most usually taken by women are low paid.
“Other factors include the effect of women’s caring responsibilities on their employment prospects, and the higher value often given to the output from men’s jobs rather that women’s.
“Many women fear they will never earn the same as men, and in the Highlands where there is a lot of seasonal and part time work locating higher pay can be even harder.
“The figure for full time work has been at least 10% lower for women since 2006, and while not as bad as in some other areas of Scotland, it is disappointing.
“Highland women should be able to expect to have a fair deal in the workplace,” said Mrs Grant.
