A new analysis by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) warns that moves to close the gender pay gap in the UK will not succeed until 2056 if progress continues at its current pace. The average pay gap stands at 12.8%, equivalent to £2,548 per year, and is widest in finance and insurance at 27.2%, while far smaller in leisure services at 1.5%. The TUC says this disparity means women effectively work 47 days a year for free and highlights larger gaps among workers aged 50–59, partly due to career breaks for caring responsibilities. The government points to new employment rights, flexible working reforms and childcare expansion as solutions.
Date: February 15, 2026. Summary: bbc.com