Rated People have published research that highlights the difference in pay between tradesmen and tradeswomen.
The report also focussed on the percentage of women currently working in each trade.
Across the industry women make up:
- 1% of carpenters
- 1.7% of electricians
- 4% of builders
- 81.63% of domestic cleaners
Discrimination women face while working was also a key takeaway in the report, with:
- 39% of tradeswomen saying they’re not taken seriously because of their gender
- and almost one in 10 customers refusing to let women do a job because of their gender
600 tradespeople and 2,000 homeowners were asked to share their views on gender equality in the industry. The response from the public was more positive than the number of women prepared to enter the industry, but it’s clear attitudes towards women need to change:
- 46% of homeowners say they would definitely hire a tradeswoman
- 43% of homeowners have no gender preference
- 29% of the women asked would feel safer hiring a tradeswomen to make improvements in their home
Why are women reluctant to join the industry?
Progress is being made and the number of women applying to train has increased 27%, which is promising news. However, discrimination is not the only reason women are put off joining the industry.
In some trades, the difference in pay is huge and women are not paid as much as men for the same work. If you’re a female wall tiler or floorer, you are only making 41% of what men earn in the same trade.
Here are the top 10 trades with the biggest pay gap.
Clearly a lot more needs to be done to encourage women into the industry and bring pay rates in-line with men. The barriers and discrimination women face is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Recognition for Tradeswomen
There is a steep hill to climb, but efforts are being made to give women the recognition they deserve. This September will see the first Woman in Construction Awards take place in London.
And the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has recently announced the Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Industry awards. Nominations close on 3rd June, and categories focus on regions around the UK. The winners and full list will be announced at an event in Manchester on 27th October 2022.
Rated People have also set up the Empowering Tradeswomen Programme to highlight the fantastic work women are doing and change attitudes across the industry.
