WOMEN in Pembrokeshire are paid 10.8% an hour less than men, according to a new survey.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that women in the county work 6.3% fewer hours than men, but are paid 17% less.
This gap is smaller than both the UK and Welsh means of 16.4 and 12.6% respectively. An average full-time wage of £436.40 a week for men, and £362 for women, put Pembrokeshire in the middle of Welsh statistics.
The 2004 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings is based on those in full-time employment. The GMB union put the statistics down to job segregation and the systematic undervaluing of work that women do.
They claim that in many workplaces the majority of women are in lower paid positions such as shop floor workers, reception, cleaning and catering, while it is more common to find men among management and technical staff.
The union are calling on employers and educators to develop strategies to eradicate the imbalance.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article