Men-women pay gap in labour market 16%

The average pay gap between women and men in the whole labour market is 16 per cent, and it is narrowing very slowly, said a recent study.

The majority of workplaces that are obliged to prepare a gender equality plan do so, but there is considerable variation in the scope, quality and timeliness of these plans, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release on Tuesday, quoting the study report.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health commissioned the Statistics Finland to conduct the study on gender equality plans and pay surveys at workplaces.

“It seems that workplace equality plans have improved slightly compared to the findings of the previous study that was conducted 10 years ago,” said Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist. “However, it appears that the greatest challenges are still related to pay surveys. The study highlights the need to amend the Act on Equality between Women and Men and to improve its implementation.”

“Labour market organisations also play a key role in improving gender equality plans and pay surveys,” said Blomqvist.

Based on the results of the study, there are major differences between organisations as to the coverage of gender equality plans.

“The biggest shortcomings are in the preparation and content of pay surveys,” said Statistics Finland Senior Statistician Henna Attila. “What is positive is that the majority of organisations comply with the Act by drawing up a gender equality plan.”