ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the detail of the gender pay gap and explanations that account for it. Considerable publicity is given in the media to the continuing existence of the gender pay gap, which is viewed as limiting economic growth and women's equality. The impact of the gender pay gap on older workers is a particular focus of the Women and Equalities Committee Enquiry because they suffer from largest differentials. Young people entering the labour market with good qualifications and higher expectations of their own identity and personal power suggests a more optimistic picture of future trends. Grimshaw and Rubery's concept of the 'undervaluing' of women's work recognises the continuing cultural attitudes that give value to male skills and the evidence that key occupations in which women have traditionally been concentrated often attract low pay and status. The introduction of national minimum wage has had a significant impact on low-paid workers, women's earnings and the gender pay gap.
