A still starker picture is painted of the situation regarding part-time earnings, with full parity estimated to be a quarter of a century away. Closing the pensions gap, meanwhile, will take 40 years. But the EOC's most pessimistic prognosis is reserved for the flexible working gap, which "is unlikely ever to change unless further action is taken".

The report aims to provide "the most comprehensive ever measure of gender equality in Britain", drawing on the findings of the EOC's work over the past three decades before it is absorbed into the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) on 1 October.

For those of you wishing to take more immediate, local action on the gender pay gap, XpertHR provides resources setting out the current legal situation as regards equal pay, and providing practical guidance on how to close the earnings gap in your organisation (subscription required).