Gender inequality can still be seen in bonuses for UK workers, according to new research from online investment platform Rplan.co.uk.
The study, which surveyed 1,108 UK adults, reveals that nearly three in 10 (29%) British workers – 14.6 million people – will share a total of £23.28 billion in bonuses, but it also demonstrates a clear gender gap, with 32 percent of men saying that they have had or expect to receive a bonus compared to 24 percent of women.
Stuart Dyer, CIO at Rplan.co.uk, says this is due to different working cultures for each gender:
“Several studies have shown that men find it easier to move jobs for promotions, can be more aggressive in pushing for bonuses and don’t have the same career interruptions that women often have. As much as there has been greater awareness of inequality in the workplace and action to address it, our research shows change is still needed to close the gender bonus gap.”
The implication is that women are often held back by taking long periods of leave to have children. Now that there is the option for both parents to apply for shared parental leave we might find that the gender gap for promotions and rewards begins to decrease.
While the £23.28 billion sum equates to £1,663 per person Rplan.co.uk’s study also suggests that gender isn’t the only dividing factor in the amounts received. 45,000 people expect to receive more than £50,000 each and, in total, nearly 137,000 people will receive over £10,000.
The age group most likely to be in line for a bonus was the 35-44s, of which 38 percent said they had or would receive one. Other groups included 25-34 (33%); 45-54 (26%); 18-24 (20%) 55-64 (19%) and 65+ (18%).
Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.
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