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Gender pay gap improves across Diageo GB and Scotland

Gender pay gap improves across Diageo GB and Scotland

 January 13, 2020

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Diageo has published its gender pay report showing an improvement in the median gender pay gap across its combined legal entities in Great Britain and Scotland as well as, individually, in each business. At 4%, its combined median pay gap is also lower than the ONS reported national average median pay gap of +17.3%.

“The diversity of our workforce is key to our business success. While there is more work to do, I’m proud of the progress we are making to reduce our gender pay gap in the UK. Our combined median pay gap has more than halved since we began reporting, reaching +4% this year, which shows that the actions we are taking are having an impact," says Mairead Nayager, Diageo Chief HR Officer.

Improving equality in manufacturing

In Scotland, where the vast majority of roles are in Diageo's 24/7 manufacturing business, its median hourly pay gap improved to +16.4%, reflecting increased female representation across more senior roles. During the period, 60% of promotions, 64% of middle management hires, 55% of graduate and 100% of director level hires were women.

The median pay gap in Scotland continues to be impacted by the lower number of women who opt for shift allowances for unsociable hours, in line with long-term trends in manufacturing roles traditionally filled by men. Currently, three times more men take on shifts attracting these allowances.

Launching Scotland's STEM scholarships

Diageo is working hard to improve the gender balance of roles across its Scotland business, including through a number of education and internship initiatives. Having launched its science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) scholarships in brewing and distilling, there are now two female students enrolled at Heriot-Watt University and Diageo is recruiting its next intake.

Increase of women in senior roles

In its Great Britain business, the higher median hourly rate for women continues to be driven by more junior level roles in field sales and manufacturing being filled predominantly by men, whilst office based roles, which are typically higher paid, are filled by women. The further improvement is due to an increase in representation of women at middle and more senior levels in the business. Diageo continues to work on its recruitment practice to ensure it is attracting more diverse candidates across the business.

Introducing 26 weeks paid parental leave

Diageo introduced 26 weeks paid parental leave for all UK employees regardless of gender, to create true gender equality of opportunity in the workforce for all those looking to raise a family. Ambitious new parental leave policies were also rolled out to global markets, ensuring minimum standards for both men and women.

Continuing to challenge the gender pay gap

Globally, in 2019 Diageo exceeded its 2020 target of 35% of global senior leadership roles being filled by women and it continues to make progress towards its target of 40% by 2025. Also this year, female representation on its Board increased to 44%.

Diageo was ranked 6th in the Hampton Alexander review for women on Boards, 2nd in the Refinitiv (formerly Thomson Reuters) Global Diversity and Inclusion Index and 1st globally for gender equality by Equileap.

Be part of a company that is committed to workplace equality

Diageo's commitment to gender equality increases year by year - and now's a great time to join a progressive company leading the way for a fairer representation in the industry.

If you want to make a difference in your career, learn more about Diageo's current vacancies and apply today.
 

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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.


                       

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