Female public service workers paid 8.6% less than male colleagues

Monday, 16 February 2026 14:42

Women working in Jersey's public sector earned 92.2p per hour for every £1 that men did last year, according to the government's latest gender pay gap report.

While there is still an 8.6% difference in average gross hourly earnings, the pay gap between men and women has nearly halved since 2022.

Women made up around two-thirds of the public service in 2025, predominantly employed in education and health as teachers and teaching assistants, nurses and midwives.

When comparing the total government workforce by hourly pay, women make up almost three-quarters of the lowest earners.

The typical female worker's hourly wage was £34.09 compared to the male hourly wage of £36.97.

No pay gaps were found in the police and prison services, as well as among teachers and trainee or junior doctors.

The government says a greater proportion of female staff work part time or reduced hours, due to caring responsibilities.

It adds that more senior women have been appointed to senior government positions over the past three years.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice chair of the States Employment Board, says all islanders are paid equally for the same roles.

"It is, however, possible to have a pay gap and to still pay people fairly, and this data helps us to see where, on average, differences exist and why.

"Any gap is partly driven by roles in which one gender or another is traditionally attracted to."

"Over the coming year, we will continue to strengthen internal policies, review barriers to career progression, and ensure that our workplace practices support equity at every stage."

Figures released in March 2025, showed Jersey's gender pay gap across all sectors - public and private - had narrowed slightly to 6.3%