Pay Gap

In the NHS* the average gender pay gap between men and women was 19.4% in 2019. This means that men in the NHS were paid nearly one fifth more than women. Since 2018 the gender gap has grown.

This is despite the fact that nearly 70% of NHS employees are women.

Why is this happening? Is it because we believe that women are ‘natural’ carers who shouldn’t expect high salaries? Why don't we value the work that is traditionally associated with women? Isn't holding someone's hand whilst they are dying significant? What about getting a child to trust someone with a needle? Or knowing what to say to relatives who are in shock?

There was once a boy who was in a car accident with his father. Sadly his father died. He was rushed to hospital with complex injuries. When he arrived at hospital he was quickly rushed into an operating theatre. He needed a very tricky operation. They sent for the best surgeon to do the job. The surgeon, however, was too upset to do the operation, saying: “This is my son”.

How can this be?

*National Health Service in UK which is free at point of access