University of York reports 4.2 per cent decrease in mean gender pay gap from 2022 to 2023

The University of York has reported a considerable decrease in its gender pay gap, according to latest figures.

According to the Gender and Ethnic Pay Gap Report, the university median pay gap has fallen from 18.6 per cent in 2022 to 11.9 per cent in 2023, and the mean pay gap has dropped from 19.1 per cent in 2022 to 14.9 per cent in 2023. This is due to a number of initiatives being instigated to address its gender and ethnicity gap.

Kiran Trehan, pro-vice-chancellor for enterprise, partnerships and engagement, addressed the latest figures as a substantial achievement in the drive towards equality and inclusivity at the university.

The initiatives instigated by the university to address its gender and ethnicity pay gap include implementing the latest real Living Wage rate in January 2023, as well as implementing pay increases for more than a quarter of its workforce in early 2023.

They also outline the promotion of female and ethnically diverse colleagues, with a 1.9 per cent point increase in female promotions and a rise from 8.1 per cent to 10 per cent in the number of ethnically diverse colleagues applying for promotion, both reaching record highs in 2023.

The university has also proposed significant changes planned for its promotion processes in 2024 following a thorough review.

Kiran Trehan spoke of the positive culture at York and said: “The report underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and the pursuit of an inclusive workplace culture at York.”

She explained the pride felt at the university in being able to overcome challenges in this field: “We recognise these have been persistent challenges for some time. We are delighted at the progress made in 2023, but in truth we simply cannot stop here.

“We have much more to do, particularly in addressing ethnicity pay gaps. We have a clear plan for how we’ll do this, focusing on diversifying roles at all levels, from our student ambassadors to our professoriate, as well as ensuring our decision-making committees across the university reflect our diverse community.”

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