Founders Weekly: The gender pay gap just got wider

Politicians may be talking about full employment, but what women would like to hear more about is why they earn $264 a week on average less than a man.

While the percentage of those out of work has plummeted to 3.5%, the lowest since 1974, the new national gender pay gap is 14.1%, an increase of 0.3% over the last six months.

That’s right, females are even further behind in the pay stakes, despite the fact that they make up the majority of workers in some of the fields that have proved most valuable in the last two years, for example, healthcare.

What this gender inequality looks like in practical terms is earnings of $1,872.90 a week for a man working full-time versus $1,609 for a full-time female employee, according to the  Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

It says every industry still has a significant gender pay gap with professional, scientific and technical services leading – or should that be underpaying – at a rate of 25.3%.

More infuriating news for women: taking into account the large number of females working part-time, the gender pay gap for all employees is far higher, says WGEA director Mary Wooldridge. In fact, it is as much as 29.7%, or a third less pay for women than men.

Don’t wait for the government or employers to take action. It’s time to increase your value by:

+ Finding out what male colleagues who do a similar job are paid, and what the pay scale for your role is.

+ Keeping a detailed record of everything you do to reduce costs for your employer, or help them increase profits.

+ Increasing your value and profile by getting your name out there on social media on issues that are relevant to your role.

+ Booking a meeting with your manager and naming the price you deserve. Getting in first has a strong psychological impact.

+ Asking your manager what skills are most valued and co-creating a plan to get your next pay rise.

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