The UK has fallen to its lowest ranking for workplace equality among large economies in over a decade, trailing behind Canada. This decline is attributed to the slow progress in closing the gender pay gap, which could take over 30 years at the current rate, and worsening unemployment and participation levels of women in the workforce. According to the Women in Work Index by PwC, the UK now ranks 18th, dropping to second place among G7 countries and falling behind Canada.

Iceland, New Zealand, and Luxembourg are the top performers in the index, which evaluates factors including the gender pay gap and employment levels. Although the UK saw a slight improvement in the gap between men’s and women’s earnings, its progress was hindered by the slow pace of change and deteriorating employment rates for women. The UK ranks 27th out of 33 in terms of female full-time employment, far below the OECD average.

PwC UK economist Alia Qamar noted that the UK’s progress in addressing gender pay disparities is slower compared to other countries, resulting in consistently average performance. In contrast, countries like Ireland and Canada have shown notable improvements in the post-pandemic period. PwC’s research emphasizes the importance of improving women’s earnings, as increased female participation in the workforce has been linked to higher productivity and GDP growth across OECD countries from 2011 to 2023.

Phillippa O’Connor, the chief people officer at PwC UK, highlighted the positive correlation between gender equality in the workplace and economic growth. Investing in gender equality is not only the right thing to do but also a smart decision, as it contributes to GDP gains, enhances economic diversity, reduces income inequality, and strengthens the overall skills base.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/03/uk-awarded-its-lowest-ranking-for-workplace-gender-equality-in-a-decade