Gender pay gap falls to 20-year low for full-time workers

The gender pay gap for full-time workers has fallen to its lowest level since records began almost 20 years ago, according to official figures.

The report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the difference between men's and women's full-time median hourly pay is now 9.4% - down from 9.6% last year and 17.4% in 1997.

But the TUC union says the rate the gap is closing is so slow that it will still take decades for it to disappear completely.

"We need a labour market that works better for women," general secretary Frances O'Grady said.

"This means helping mums get back into well-paid jobs after they have kids, and encouraging dads to take on more caring responsibilities."

"The Government should also scrap tribunal fees, which stop women getting justice from bad employers who have discriminated against them," she added.

The introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) of £7.20 an hour for adults has helped increase wages at the bottom end of the earnings scale, but the gender pay gap remains at around 20% for higher earners, according to the ONS.

The Business Minister Margot James said the figures are pleasing, but there is still more to be done to ensure women are treated equally.

"The Government is determined to build an economy that works for all," she said.

Reacting to the figures, Laura Gardiner, senior policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said: "The new wage floor has contributed to a significant closing of the gender pay gap and a welcome fall in gender inequality."

However, Ms Gardner cautioned that the gap is unlikely to narrow much further in the near future.

"While 2016 has been the strongest year for pay in over five years, we may not see this level of growth again this parliament, given the outlook for lower earnings growth and higher inflation in the wake of the Brexit vote," she said.