The Equality Authority last month called for targeted policies to address the wage gap between male and female workers.

When education and experience are taken into account, men’s average hourly wages were still 8% higher than those of woman in 2003, according to the latest ESRI research.

The differential was largest in the professional, sales sector and construction industry.  

The main reason for the gap is believed to be loss of experience caused when women leave the workforce for family reasons.  

The Equality Authority says this highlights the need for men to equally share the burden of caring for family members.

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