By KLTV Newsdesk –
A survey of 20 tradeswomen aged between 16 and 60 reveals the extent of the gender pay gap and workplace discrimination in the UK trades industry.
Despite progress in gender equality, tradeswomen still earn over 38% less than their male counterparts, with 42% of respondents confirming a significant difference between the pay for men and women.
Three plumbers and heating engineers who participated in the survey earned £22,000, over £13,000 less than the average tradesman’s salary of £35,979.
Discrimination in the workplace affects over 57% of tradeswomen, who feel that they are looked down on and given fewer job opportunities than their male colleagues.
Many female tradespeople feel objectified and sexualized at work, while others are insulted for taking on roles that have always been male-dominated.
Over 68.4% of respondents reported sexist remarks from customers and clients, who doubt their ability to complete the work well despite having the same training and qualifications as men.
The survey reveals that only around 13% of trades industry workers in the UK are women.
Women feel that jobs are still primarily targeted towards men and that physical ability and unsuitable equipment hinder their progress in the industry.
However, schools are now more openly encouraging children to take on any job role, regardless of previous stereotypes, and more manufacturers are creating equipment tailored to women in trades.
The findings of this survey highlight the need for further progress in gender equality and workplace discrimination in the UK trades industry.