Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517531
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MARCH 2024 NEWS A fifth of women work part-time CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 THE NSO figures show that the narrowest pay gap exists within clerical roles, where men earn only €11 more than women. This category comprises a significant proportion of public sector employees, whose salaries adhere to fixed scales. In all occupational categories, men outearned women, albeit to varying ex- tents. However, the gap is notably smaller among managers, with men earning €48 more than women. Despite women earn- ing nearly as much as their male counter- parts, they represent only 37% of manag- ers. Among technicians where women are also outnumbered, men also earned more by a similar amount. The widest gender pay gap was observed among professionals, where males earned a substantial €309 more than their female counterparts, who comprise 51% of indi- viduals in this occupational sector. Yet, significant gaps also persist at the lower end of the spectrum, particularly among elementary workers, where men earn €211 more on average, and within the services and sales sector, where men report earning €189 more than women. In 2022, the gap in this segment was even larger, with men reporting €339 more. Women account for 60% of workers in the services and sales sector. One-fifth of women work part-time The Labour Force Survey reveals that, on average, Maltese workers reported earn- ing €1,837 per month, a mere €50 increase from the previous year and €186 more than in 2021. Compared to 2021, female incomes increased by €205 on average, while male incomes rose by €165. In 2023, incomes ranged from an average of €1,120 among those in elementary oc- cupations to €2,959 among managers. The lowest-paid workers in Malta are females in elementary jobs, earning an average of just €993 per month, down from €1,070 in 2022. This is followed by males in the same category, who reported earning €1,204, and female service workers, who earned an average of €1,228. One significant reason for the disparity in earnings between women and men is that females are more likely to work part- time. While 19% of females have part-time employment, only 7% of males are in the same situation. Additionally, the survey indicates that while 88% of males aged be- tween 15 and 64 were part of the labour force, the percentage of females in em- ployment decreased to 74%. Of the inactive females, 38% cited fam- ily and care responsibilities as the prima- ry reason for their inactivity, followed by 23% who had already retired, and 11% who were still studying. In contrast, none of the inactive males interviewed were inactive due to family and care responsibilities, while 69% were pensioners. Labour force survey indicates largest gender pay gap among professionals where on average men report earning €309 more than women • Females in elementary jobs report earning just €993 a month The survey indicates that while 88% of males aged between 15 and 64 were part of the labour force, the percentage of females in employment decreased to 74%