A sobering report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reveals that the gender pay gap in the UK is not projected to close until the year 2056, highlighting a disturbing trend in wage inequality. Currently, women are earning an average of £2,548 less than their male counterparts annually, effectively meaning they have worked unpaid for the first month and a half of this year. The TUC’s general secretary, Paul Nowak, emphasises the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly in the context of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
A Stagnant Progression Towards Equality
According to the TUC, the gender pay gap stands at 12.8% overall, with even larger disparities in certain sectors. Women working in education earn 17% less than their male peers, while those in finance and insurance face a staggering 27.2% wage gap. The TUC’s findings paint a bleak picture of the current state of pay equality, indicating that the incremental improvements seen in recent years are insufficient to bridge the gap any time soon.
“Imagine turning up to work every single day and not getting paid,” Nowak remarked. “That’s the reality of the gender pay gap. In 2026, that should be unthinkable. With the cost of living still biting hard, women simply can’t afford to keep losing out. They deserve their fair share.”
Legislative Action Required
The TUC believes that legislative reforms are essential to address these disparities. The Employment Rights Act, introduced by the Labour government last year, is viewed as a potential game-changer in the fight for equality. Nowak asserts that this legislation could significantly impact the gender pay gap by banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, which disproportionately affect women’s earnings.
Moreover, the Act mandates that employers publish action plans aimed at addressing gender pay disparities. However, Nowak stresses that these plans must be robust and ambitious to effect real change. “They need to be built to deliver results, otherwise they won’t work,” he cautioned.
A Long-Standing Issue
Recent research published in the British Journal of Industrial Relations suggests that the gender pay gap may have been underestimated for over two decades. The study indicates that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has not adequately accounted for the data it receives from larger employers, which skews the reported figures on hours worked and earnings. This oversight raises questions about the accuracy of current statistics and the true extent of wage inequality.
The TUC’s report serves as a clarion call for urgent action to rectify this long-standing issue, urging employers and policymakers alike to prioritise gender pay equality as a fundamental aspect of economic justice.
Why it Matters
The persistence of the gender pay gap is not merely a statistical anomaly; it has profound implications for women’s economic security and overall societal equity. As the cost of living continues to rise, the ability of women to secure fair wages is critical not just for their own livelihoods but for the broader economy. Addressing this issue is essential to fostering a fair and equitable society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive. Without decisive action, the dream of pay parity may remain just that—a dream—for generations to come.
