Gender pay gap of councils in region revealed

GATESHEAD and South Tyneside councils have the highest gender pay disparities across the seven North East local authorities.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local Democracy Reporter

Government figures from the financial years 2024/25 have shown that female employees at Gateshead and South Tyneside have a median hourly pay gap of 10.01% and 12.9% respectively compared to men.

The median, according to the GOV.UK website, is the middle pay figure when hourly pay is set from highest to lowest. According to Gateshead Council documents, a gender pay gap is distinct from the concept of equal pay.

Male and female employees are guaranteed equal pay for equal work by the Equality Act 2010.

Gender pay gaps are measured to mark the difference between male and female average earnings across an organisation to understand barriers to higher incomes. The gender pay gap report heading to Gateshead Council's women and girls committee states: "While having a GPG [gender pay gap] is not unlawful, it is important that organisations become more focused on bridging the pay gap that exists. Reporting on the GPG means that we can better understand our workforce's experience and make changes that really bring about equality."