Disparity still exists betweeen sexes

There continues to be an earnings gap appearing between men and women according to new research released by recruiter Robert Half UK from the fifth annual ICAEW/Robert Half Career Benchmarking Survey.

Overall, an average basic salary of £62,300 (median £55,000) for females is around 70% that of their male colleagues' £89,500 (median £76,500).

For those in the earlier stages of their career (under the age of 30), the earnings gap between females and males appears to be widening.

In 2010 males under 30 earned an average of £8,000 more than their female counterparts and in 2009 the difference was an average of £2000.

This discrepancy reflects in part at least influences from other factors found in the same survey, such as female ACAs being more likely to work part-time at critical career development stages, for example 24% of female ACAs aged 30-45 are working part-time, compared with only 3% of their male colleagues, or that male ACAs are more likely to work within the private sector or outside the UK where higher salaries are on offer.

"These results are certainly concerning, and indicate that there are inconsistencies between men and women within the accountancy profession," said Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half UK.

"Robert Half supports emerging policies to make recruitment processes more transparent and offer women a seat at the decision-making table, especially in light of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.

"It is also important that women who are looking for an executive or C-level role have a plan in place to tackle any challenges they may encounter on their climb up the career ladder."

Robert Half UK offers the following advice on how women can successfully manage their executive career path: create a career plan, consider what you really want, develop and build your skills now, take risks and network.

Our Employment team provides advice on the employment aspects of all major business decisions. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.