Money Box Money Box Live: Women's Finances
Feb 4, 2026
Louise Claro, Managing Director of Circle Financial Services and practical personal finance adviser, and Penny East, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society and gender equality campaigner, discuss changes since the Sex Discrimination Act. They cover why the gender pay gap persists, how childcare and part-time work shape careers, mortgage and pension challenges for women, and risks of biased AI in hiring and pay advice.
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Pay Gap Is Multifaceted
- Women now earn on average 87p for every £1 men earn, despite legal equality.
- Career breaks, caring responsibilities and part-time work drive persistent disparities beyond direct discrimination.
Progress Has Stalled Unevenly
- The gender pay gap narrowed over decades but progress has stalled in the last five years.
- Some regions and groups still face gaps around 30%, so averages hide wide variation.
Negotiate By Showing Market Value
- Do check market pay for your role by speaking to recruitment consultants before negotiating with your employer.
- Frame the conversation around the value you bring and treat flexibility as a positive selling point.