New government figures show that women working for East Devon District Council (EDDC) earn 0.6 per cent less than their male colleagues.

The figures show the median hourly salaries for women and men working at EDDC. 

The average local authority paid women three per cent less than their male colleagues – a small improvement from 3.3 per cent the year before. 

Employers with more than 250 workers must publish figures on differences in pay between their employees through the government’s gender pay gap service.

A spokesman for East Devon District Council (EDDC) said: “East Devon District’s Council’s last publicly reported Gender Pay Gap figure as at March 31 was that the median gender pay gap showed that women were paid 0.67 per cent lower than men within the council.

“This was because there were more males in the upper quartile (highest hourly rate) compared to females.

"However, since then the council has implemented a revised pay and grading structure in response to recruitment and retention challenges and its aspiration to become a Real Living Wage employer.

“Starting salaries for the lowest paid roles are now £11.59 per hour.

"Indicative analysis, undertaken as part of the impact assessment during the consultation process, showed an improvement in the median gender pay gap, reducing it to 0 per cent.

“This reflected the proposed salary changes in grades that are predominantly held by females (now new grades 2-4).  

"The actual analysis showing the gender pay gap figure as at March 31 is to be undertaken and will be published on the council’s website in due course.

“Alongside this, the council is starting work to review entry levels in and progression routes through the council, as part of its wish to further develop and grow its own staff.”

Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, has urged employers to publish plans on how to tackle their pay gaps, recommending that local authorities share knowledge with those that 'need to up their game'.