An investigation into salaries of University of Essex graduates has found they are following the national trend, with men earning more than women.

The results of The Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey conducted in 2011 shows that female graduates from Essex Business School (EBS) earn less than their males peers, despite having the same education and previous work experience.

To tie in with International Women’s Day on March 8, Essex Business School in conjunction with the Precarious Workers Brigade is organising a seminar on Graduate Employment and the Gender Pay Gap at the Colchester Campus on Wednesday, March 7.

The survey of EBS graduates, shows that 46.7% of women who replied, go into graduate level employment while the figure is 67.3% for men.   The study also found that more women than men work part-time or do voluntary work after graduation.  The Office for National Statistics latest figures show men earning an average of £28,901 compared with £22,490 for women.

According to a study by the Chartered Management Institute in 2010, female managers were paid an average of £31,895 per year, compared with £42,441 for men doing the same job.

Experts on gender-related work issues from Essex Business School will be talking at the seminar which will explore the reasons for the persistence of pay inequity at graduate level and give students concrete advice on how to manage unequal pay in their own careers.  The seminar is followed by lunch and an interactive workshop on low paid employment, domestic work and arts and culture arranged by the Precarious Workers Brigade.

This event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, is free of charge. 

For tickets please go to www.gpgseminar.eventbrite.co.uk. For further information please contact Dr Cecilia Cassinger cecilia@essex.ac.uk.