Almost 3 in 10 females earn less than living wage, shows research

According to new research by KPMG, 29% of female workers in the UK earn less than the living wage.

The report highlighted the gender gap at the low end of the earnings scale, because in comparison, only 18% of males are in the same position.

Slight increase

Markit conducted the Big 4 firm's new research report by using its UK Household Finance Index survey. This covered 1,500 respondents and also included data from the Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.

Overall, there has been a slight increase in the number of employees now earning less than the living wage, as the report found the current total to be 23% compared to 22% in 2014.

More strikingly, 72% of workers between the ages of 18-21 earn less than the living wage, although the figure drops to 17% for those between the ages of 30 and 39.

Awareness of the issue

Head of living wage at KPMG, Mike Kelly, said: “The past year has seen some notable achievements, with 2,000 employers, including more than a quarter of the FTSE 100, now accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. Awareness of the issue has also increased, with more than three out of four of the general public in the know about what the living wage is."

The new research is aimed at highlighting Living Wage Week, which is promoting awareness of the voluntary rate recommended by the Living Wage Foundation. The current recommendations have just increased from £7.85 an hour to £8.25 outside of London, and £9.15 to £9.40 an hour for those working and living in the capital.