The research carried out by WiHTL (Diversity in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure), in partnership with PwC, found the overall “mean” gender pay gap in HTL businesses increased from 7.4% to 9% year-on-year, mainly due to the gap increasing within the hospitality sector for the first time in three years.

The report found the average HTL company had 58% of males among their highest paid 25% employees, while 54% of female staff were in the lowest paid 25%. 

More positively, PwC said it expected the sector’s performance on gender pay to improve post-pandemic because inclusion, diversity and fairness were set to be “focus areas” for employers, employees, customers and investors.

Mandatory reporting on the gender pay gap is now in its fourth year in the UK, with 60% of companies in the HTL sector disclosing their figures in October 2021. Although, this number has been affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Tea Colaianni, founder and chair of WiHTL, said: “While it is widely acknowledged that the impact of the pandemic upon the economy disproportionately affected both women and the HTL sector, it’s encouraging to see companies across the sector stepping up to be seen as transparent with their reporting and taking meaningful action.

“There is a noticeable commitment to attract, retain and invest in diverse talent pipelines, nurture a culture where everybody feels has the same opportunities to progress and celebrate differences.

“We have seen significant investment in developing a common language for inclusive leadership and a remarkable effort to support the promotion of talented female leaders at all levels.”