The gender pay gap is the difference in the average hourly wage of men and women across a workforce. It compares the pay of all working men and women; not just those in similar jobs, with similar working pattern or with similar competencies, qualifications, or experience.
A gender pay gap does not indicate discrimination or an absence of equal pay for equal value work – it reports a gender representation gap.
Coffey is positive towards diversity and inclusion, and we are trying to address the gender balance Unfortunately in the construction sector, there are not as many females graduating with civil engineering or construction related qualifications as young males. As a result, the graduate pool is not gender balanced. Women are also underrepresented in apprenticeships.
Closing the gender pay gap is a long-term plan at Coffey and, as such, action plans will see incremental changes over time. However, closing the gender pay gap and having greater gender balance is a sound business strategy and one that is worth the effort. Since the last report we have increased our female staff in Ireland by 28% compared with an increase of 17% in our male employees.
