What factors causing the gender pay gap did the commission focus on?
The commission looked at wide-ranging influences: • how men’s and women’s educational experience and skills acquisition shapes occupational segregation; • general factors affecting how men and women experience the labour market, including entry into employment, occupational segregation, full-time and part-time work experience, progression in the workplace and the tax and benefit system, as well as discrimination; • women’s experience in the labour market before and after having children. In addition, the public sector warranted particular examination as a substantial employer of women. What were the findings? The commission found we needed to change our culture in a number of areas. Maximising potential – many girls and young women are still following traditional routes in education and training, and being paid less than men as a result. Three years after graduating, women earn 15% less than their male counterparts. A culture change is needed to challenge assumptions about the types of
