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Understanding pay data

What the numbers actually mean, and where they mislead.

The UK gender pay gap, measured four ways Same year, same survey — four legitimate answers Difference in median pay, men compared with women no gap Part-time, hourly -2.9% Full-time, hourly 6.9% All employees, hourly 12.8% All employees, annual 27.6% Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings · whatdoiearn.co.uk
Understanding pay data 27 Jul 2026 • 5 min read

The UK Gender Pay Gap Is 6.9%. And 27.6%. Both Are Right.

The same ONS survey produces four different gender pay gap figures, from 2.9% in women's favour to 27.6% against. Here is what each one measures, and which to use.

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Negotiation Regional pay How we measure