The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) mean and median gender pay gaps have decreased since last year, with an overall 5.9% and 5.5% reduction respectively since 2017.
There has been a reduction of 1.1% in the mean pay gap and a 0.2% reduction in the median pay gap in the last 12 months
The gender pay gap is the difference between the hourly rate of male full-pay relevant employees and that of female full-pay relevant employees.
On the subject of bonuses, Defra’s performance awards are paid as a set value depending on grade and performance level, irrespective of gender.
In comparison to the previous year, broadly the same proportions of men and women have received bonuses with 70.8% of bonuses paid to men and 70.3% of bonuses paid to women.
The percentage of female staff employed by Defra at 56%, has remained stable when compared to previous years.
Defra group gender champion and director general of environment, rural and marine, David Hill, said:
“Although our pay gaps show that men continue to be paid more than women, our pay gaps have considerably narrowed.
“Our cross-Defra group gender board works collaboratively across Defra organisations to address gender equality.
“We have continued work to ensure women feel safe inside the workplace and when they travel for work, in addition to raising awareness of issues around women’s health.
“Removing barriers to discussing important issues means they are better understood by all and can positively impact the everyday lived experiences of women in Defra.
“Our commitment to close the gender pay gap speaks to a broader agenda of inclusion and we look forward to further progressing this goal as part of an ambitious strategy to achieve equality in the workplace.”
