New research shows 1 million more women in low paid jobs than men
- Women are 50% more likely to be low paid than men, with 18.7% (2.8 million) of jobs held by women paid below the real Living Wage compared to 12.6% (1.8 million) of jobs held by men. [1]
After consistent falls, the gender low pay gap is widening: the gap between the proportion of low paid jobs held by men and women rose to 6.1 percentage points in 2024, up from 4.7 percentage points in 2022.
- The real Living Wage is the only wage rate independently calculated based on the cost of living. It is currently £12.60 in the UK with a higher rate of £13.85 in London.
Today’s research, coming a few days before International Women’s Day, shows how a real Living Wage could tackle the disproportionate impact of low pay on women and accelerate action for gender equality and business success.
Women are 50% more likely to be in low paid work than men, with 18.7% (2.8 million) of jobs held by women paid below the real Living Wage, compared to 12.6% (1.8 million) of jobs held by men. That means there are one million more women in low paid jobs than men. As a result, jobs held by women account for more than 60% of low paid jobs. The figures come from new analysis of the latest Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings from the Office for National Statistics by the Living Wage Foundation.
The analysis reveals that the gender low pay gap is also widening. The gap between the proportion of low paid jobs held by women and men rose from a 4.7 percentage point difference in 2022 to a 6.1 percentage point difference in 2024. The gender low pay gap fell from a high of 10 percentage points in 2018.
The number and proportion of low paid jobs rose for both women and men in 2024 as the scale of low pay increased overall, but the increases were greater for women. In 2024, over 500,000 more jobs held by women were low paid than in 2023, compared to nearly 300,000 more for men. The proportion of low paid jobs for women rose from 15.4% in 2023 to 18.7% in 2024, a 3.3 percentage point increase. The proportion of low paid jobs held by men rose from 10.5% in 2023 to 12.6% in 2024, a 2.1 percentage point increase.
Women in part-time jobs are bearing the brunt of low pay, as there are more than twice as many women (1.7 million) in part time jobs paid less than the real living wage than men (743,000).
New research by the Living Wage Foundation also found that if just a quarter of low paid jobs held by women were paid at the real Living Wage, the increase in wages, productivity and spending would deliver over £723 million back into the UK economy. [2]
Today’s research shows how a real Living Wage could tackle the disproportionate impact of low pay on women and accelerate action for gender equality and business success.
Impact of low pay on women
Recent polling by the Living Wage Foundation explored the impacts on women of being on low pay. The findings paint an unsettling picture of women’s experiences of life on low pay. [3]
- 32% of low paid women skipped meals regularly for financial reasons.
- 30% of low paid women visited a food bank in the previous 12 months.
- 69% of low paid women said their mental health was negatively impacted.
- 70% of low paid women said that their levels of anxiety were negatively impacted.
- 33% said their relationship with their child was negatively impacted.
Women’s perceptions of their retirement savings
Other recent polling by the Living Wage Foundation revealed that women are more likely than men to feel that their retirement savings are not enough. [4]
- 58% of women feel like they will never be able to retire compared to 47% of men.
- 67% of women feel they will need to work several years beyond retirement age compared to 58% of men.
- 60% of women are not confident they are saving enough to meet basic needs in retirement compared to 50% of men.
Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director, said: “Our analysis reveals a concerning trend - despite progress in previous years, the gender low pay gap is widening again. Too many women have fallen into low pay, impacting their financial security, mental wellbeing, and ability to provide for their families.
“These findings, ahead of International Women's Day, are a reminder that there is still a way to go to achieve a fair and equal workplace for women, and we mustn’t forget the sticky floor of low pay. Becoming a Living Wage Employer is a great first step to closing the gender pay gap.”
Jennifer Clarke, Marketing & Design Assistant at the clothing retailer, Molke, said: “Before I worked for Molke I had a Zero Hour contract, I didn’t have a strong sense of future or any true stability. Through Molke’s commitment to the Real Living Wage and Real Living hours, I have been able to buy a house and start a family. Something that previously, I wouldn’t have been able to do. It has given me financial stability. Seeing the pride and commitment that Molke has to being a Real Living Wage employer, makes me proud to work for them.”
Ros Marshall, Managing Director of Molke, said: “There is a significant gender pay gap in the UK, with many women in insecure jobs and facing unfair pay. Stability, transparency, and equal pay are essential basics for all workers. We urge businesses to adopt the Real Living Wage to ensure fair compensation for all. At Molke, it’s vital for our predominantly female team to feel valued and secure, leading to better retention and a positive working environment.”
Antoinette Daniels, Founder of Just Helpers Cleaning Agency, said: “The cleaning industry does not have to be the means for trapping women in the dirty jobs. Our industry could be a vehicle for change, by leaning into our female focus. By ensuring our cleaners receive the Living Wage, with decent and fair working conditions, we can make a real difference to the quality of life of our people.
Media contacts:
Living Wage Foundation Media Contacts for interviews and case studies:
Liberty Brownlow – 07301283662, [email protected]
Matt Ford – 07507478967, [email protected]
Natasha Matsaert – 07375963747, [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
[1] Living Wage Foundation, ‘Employee Jobs Paid below the real Living Wage’ (2024), using data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings to reveal the number of jobs below the real Living Wage
[2] Cardiff Business School, The Living Wage Dividend – 2024 update
[3] Living Wage Foundation analysis of Survation polling of 2,000 UK workers aged 18+ in July and August 2024
[4] Living Wage Foundation, ‘Retirement realities: Understanding the impact of the cost-of-living on pension savings and retirement expectations’ 2024, based on analysis of Survation polling of 2,000 UK workers aged 18+ who paid into a pension in the previous 12 months, carried out in February 2024