Uni responds after shocking pay inequality figures

Women earn £5,000 less than men

8 years ago

Aber uni have fought back after a recent report revealed the University is among the 15 worst performing universities for equal pay.

The report, conducted by the University and College Union, said female professors at Aberystwyth earn £5,000 less than their male counterparts.

The University have now said they are doing everything they can to eliminate the pay gap, having already made great progress since their 2010 audit.

A spokesperson for Aber uni told The Tab exclusively: “Aberystwyth University conducted an Equal Pay audit in 2015 and considerable progress has been made since the previous audit in 2010.

“Although the gender pay gap for professors has reduced we remain committed to eliminating the gap completely and continue to work to redress the imbalance which is highlighted in the UCU report.”

Same degree – same pay cheque?

The UCU report found one great concern for universities should be the fact more than 50 per cent of the academics are women, while only 23 per cent of them get promoted to professor.

The spokesperson added: “This includes the introduction of a common pay scale for professors and both female and male professors have the opportunity to progress through that scale.

“In addition we are delighted the number of women professors has doubled to 14 over the last four years, due in large part to the introduction of an academic promotions process which recognises teaching and leadership excellence, in addition to research, which was previously the key driver fro promotion to professor.”

We asked some students for their opinion as well, and it turns out there are mixed feelings involved when it comes to gender equal pay.

Tom, third year Interpol student said: “I think in 2016 the fact that there is still a notable pay gap at a professional institution is very disappointing. I really hope the University will address the issue promptly because whilst this gap exists, the university’s reputation might suffer.”

International student Tina told the Tab: “You often hear the argument that with the Equal Pay Act and the equal opportunities measures undertaken, it is assured men and women have the same chances – and if they are under-represented in certain positions, then it’s because women decide to stay at home with their families or just don’t go for higher positions.

“This may be true for a few cases, but so does it apply for men who sometimes make the same decisions. In the 21st Century, it is surely a shameful statement to stereotype women that way.

“Besides, the number of women (and men for that matter) who do both or at least want both – work and family – is huge. So my question is, if men can have a family they care for and spend lots of time with, and still get paid a lot of money, why can’t women?”

Shaun, studying Software Engineering at Aber is not convinced by the report. “It’s probably down to the number of STEM subjects taught, there are less women in STEM and more demand for people to teach it so wages will be higher.”