UK's Gender Pay Gap Expands in 2025, According to Brightmine Research

In a comprehensive analysis involving over 138,000 individuals employed across 330 organisations, a significant gap in bonuses between men and women has been uncovered. The research, conducted by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) in Germany, references data and meta-studies from countries including Austria, Switzerland, Norway, and the USA.

The analysis, based on payroll data for 1,132,020 individuals employed in 999 organisations, reveals a gender bonus gap of £2,190, with men's bonuses being 1.8 times higher than women's. This disparity is particularly evident in the private sector, where employees received the biggest payouts, averaging £6,827 (12.3% of salary), but were more selective, with only 10.5% of employees receiving a bonus.

As the research suggests, the gap widens with age, peaking in the early 50s, with men averaging a bonus of £8,693 and women receiving £4,193. Interestingly, job function plays a role in bonus amounts, with sales and marketing staff receiving bonuses worth 23.5% of salary, while science workers receive the lowest amount (1.5% of salary).

The research calls for employers to audit bonus practices to identify and address gender disparities in both eligibility and value. It also recommends reviewing reward strategies to ensure bonuses reinforce fairness and retention, not inequality.

The data analysis is facilitated by Brightmine, a leading global provider of people data, analytics, and insight. Part of LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, a RELX business, Brightmine has been helping HR leaders confidently navigate the evolving work of work for more than two decades. With over 10,000 customers worldwide, Brightmine's product suite transforms how organisations use data, analytics, and insight to reduce risk, improve talent strategies, and increase HR impact.

LexisNexis® RELX, a global information provider, employs more than 36,000 people worldwide and serves customers in more than 180 countries. The company has offices in about 40 countries, demonstrating its global reach and commitment to delivering high-quality data-driven solutions.

At the top end, directors' bonuses average £54,014, compared to just £535 for routine task providers such as a cleaner or catering assistant. The research underscores the need for fairness in bonus distributions, ensuring that all employees, regardless of their job function or level, are treated equitably.

As we move forward, it is essential for organisations to address these disparities and create a more equitable workplace. By doing so, they not only foster a fairer work environment but also potentially improve retention and overall productivity.