‘Inexcusable’ pay gaps for women and non-white staff in Parliament exposed

A shocking new report from GMB London Region’s MPs’ and Lords’ Staff Branch reveals stark pay gaps and unequal progression for women, non-white, and disabled staff working in Parliament.

The report, Inequality at the Heart of British Democracy: Pay Progression and Inequality in Parliament, launches today [Wednesday 15 October] with support from MPs including Calvin Bailey and Laurence Turner, and lays bare a culture of inequality at the heart of the UK’s democratic institution.

Based on data collected across gender, ethnicity, disability, and other protected characteristics, the findings highlight serious failings in Parliament’s pay and progression systems, and expose the gaps left by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA)’s limited data collection.

Key findings include:

• Women earn more than £1,000 less on average than men
• Non-white staff earn £2,200 less on average than white colleagues
• Non-white women are hit hardest, earning nearly £6,000 less than white men
• Disabled staff earn £646 less on average than non-disabled colleagues
• These pay gaps widen with experience, suggesting women, non-white and disabled staff progress more slowly over time
• Just 17% of staff who raised concerns about pay or discrimination said their issue was addressed satisfactorily

Kartik Sawhney, Senior Parliamentary Researcher and GMB MPs’ and Lords’ Staff Branch Race Officer, said:

“Parliament should lead by example, yet inequality is built into the way it employs staff.

“The current system leaves every MP as a separate employer, which means no one can take real responsibility for fairness or progression, and inexcusable pay gaps and discrimination are left to thrive.

“We need One Parliament: a single, accountable employer resulting in equal pay, fair treatment, and a culture that values every worker.

“Equality should not depend on which MP you work for - it should be guaranteed for everyone who serves Parliament.”

Holly Williamson, Office Manager and GMB MPs’ and Lords’ Staff Branch Equalities Officer, added:

“This report confirms what many of us already know, women, non-white and disabled colleagues work just as hard, but are paid less.

“The most emotionally demanding roles, often held by those from protected groups, are also the lowest paid. Parliament must do better.

“Equality at work shouldn’t depend on who you are or what your job title is.”

Philip Hutchinson, Senior Parliamentary Researcher and GMB MPs’ and Lords’ Staff Branch Youth Officer, added:

“This report shows that young workers are left particularly vulnerable, experiencing increased levels of bullying and exploitation and heightened levels of job insecurity.

“Meanwhile, the use of unpaid internships continues to worsen many of the inequalities found in this report.

“The Government has promised to ban unpaid internships, and ending their use in Parliament would be a good place to start.”

Read the report.