FEMALE EMPLOYEES at the council are paid 16.1 per cent less than their male counterparts, figures have revealed.

Bracknell Forest Council has admitted that, whilst the gap is slowly closing, female staff are still paid significantly less than males.

Alison Sanders, director of resources, said: “The council’s recorded pay gap is continuing to decrease with the gap for 2016/17 recorded as 16.3 per cent – which is lower than the 2015/16 figure of 18.1 per cent. The council’s 2016/17 figure is also significantly lower than the national average of 18.2 per cent.

“All our jobs are subject to a rigorous evaluation process to ensure equality. We have a policy on equal opportunity in recruitment, a flexible working policy and we monitor our progress in equality in our workforce and our services every year.

“Additionally, our top level of management is made up of 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female staff.”

The stats show that female staff are paid 77p for every £1 that their male counterparts get. 

Bonus pay is also less for female staff. 

A male member of staff makes 17.1 per cent more in bonuses than a female member at the council.

However, 67.4 per cent of female staff receive bonus pay, whereas only 32.6 per cent of male staff do.