WOMEN earn less than men in all 27 European Union countries, according to a recent European Commission report. In 2005, the “pay gap” was 15% across the EU. A high pay gap is usually associated with a labour market that is highly segregated (Finland) or one in which many women work part-time (Germany and Britain). The small difference in Malta, Italy and Portugal reflects the fact that there are fewer low-skilled women in the workforce. Women fare worst of all in the private sector, where they are paid 25% less. The gap widens with higher levels of education. Graduates are paid over 30% less than men. This may be because graduates' pay is generally higher, so women lose more if taking time out to have children.

AFP