Norwich City Council has reduced its gender pay gap to the lowest level since statutory reporting began, according to the latest Gender, Ethnicity, and Disability Pay Gap Report.
Using data from 31 March 2024, the report which was presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 5 March highlights positive progress in closing gender pay gaps, while also identifying areas for improvement in ethnicity and disability pay gaps.
The median gender pay gap is now 0.30%, the lowest since reporting began. On average, women earn 99.7p for every £1 earned by men. Women also make up 57% of the council’s workforce, including key roles in the senior leadership team. This positive trend of women in senior positions continued with appointments including the chief executive and two executive directors.
For the first time, the council has voluntarily published ethnicity and disability pay gap data, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and workplace inclusion. The findings show that the median pay gap between white employees and those from ethnically diverse backgrounds is 4.55%.
The report also reveals that employees with disabilities earn, on average, 1.14% less than those without disabilities. These findings highlight the need for ongoing work to support employees from an ethnically diverse heritage and those with disabilities, ensuring any barriers to career progression within the council are fully understood and addressed.
Councillor Paul Kendrick, cabinet member for an open and modern council, said: “It’s very encouraging to see the gender pay gap at its lowest recorded level yet, but we know there is still work to do to ensure our workforce fully reflects the diversity of the communities the council serves here in Norwich.
“By voluntarily reporting on ethnicity and disability pay gaps, the council is holding itself accountable and continues to develop policies that support all employees, ensuring equal opportunities are accessible to all.”
To address pay disparities and improve workplace equality, the council has outlined a series of actions, including: reviewing workforce diversity across directorates, continuing its commitment to anti-racism initiatives and enhancing support for employees with disabilities.
Read the report in full at: Gender, Ethnicity, and Disability Pay Gap Report.
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