Scotland's gender pay gap lower than UK as a whole, new data reveals

Scotland's overall gender pay gap is lower however MSPs say there is still 'a lot of work to do'.

3rd Jan 2023

The gender pay gap between men and women is lower in Scotland than the UK as a whole, new data reveals.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the gender pay gap for all employees in 2022 was 12.2% – lower than the UK-wide figure of 14.9%.

However, the figure has increased for Scotland in comparison to 11.6% the previous year while the UK-wide figure decreased from 15.1% in 2021.

The 2022 data reveals that the gap for those in full-time employment was also lower, at 3.7% in Scotland compared to 8.3% in the UK.

Scotland’s trend of being lower than the UK has remained in place since 2003, with the gap for both Scotland and the UK gradually reducing over time.

In response to the figures, SNP MSP Gillian Martin said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that Scotland continues to outperform the UK in making sure women are paid the same as men for doing the exact same job.

“Women should not be economically less well-off throughout their working lives, and there are structural issues that need to be addressed – not least the burden of caring still falling to women.

“This is the biggest driver of the gender pay gap, and one the Scottish Government is actively addressing, particularly in its early years provision.

“There is still a lot of work to do before we see a zero gender pay gap in Scotland.

“I would encourage all employers to ensure their employees are paid fairly and equally, and to look at how they can provide the conditions women workers need to progress.”