This article (click here to view) is a very straightforward article where it talks about how Britain’s attempts to close the gender pay gap has hit a stone wall or “grinding to a halt” the article calls it. It states that girls in general outperform boys in any/every ethic backgrounds, however girls earn a significant amount less than the male do (as shown in the graph above). So why is this? Well here are some reasons:
1) Difference in Productivity: the Marginal Revenue Product (MRP) theory states that it is the workers productivity that determines the wage. In heavy manufacturing industries, though its only a small percentage of jobs that are applied, male productivity is likely to be higher.
2) Discrimination: Employers could be less willing to promote female workers and/or pay lower due to discrimination
3) Women might take career breaks for children: Many laws state that women can be secured of her job, whilst having a child. However, taking a break from work means women are less likely to get promoted. Also, women of childbearing age, may be viewed as a liability.