One in five young women are illegally paid less than male colleagues, says new study

ONE in five young women are illegally being paid less than their male colleagues for the same work, a new study has today revealed.

More than a quarter of women surveyed also revealed their financial situation had worsened in the past year as they struggled to gain power in the workplace.

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The damning report, released by the Young Women's Trust, highlighted how young women were more likely to be on low pay, experience job insecurity and debt levels.

Young Women's Trust chief executive Dr Carole Easton said: "Sadly, even 100 years after the first women gaining the power to vote, it's still a rich man's world.

"Young women continue to lack workplace power and spending power.

"If 2018 is to be a turning point for women's equality and not just a footnote in history, then it's clear that we need deeds, not just words."

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A third of young women also don't know how to report sexual harassment at work - with many reluctant to report an incident for fear of losing their job.

The survey, which involved speaking to 4,000 young people aged between 18 and 30, also found a third of young women said they have experienced sex discrimination when working or looking for work.

As a result, young women's mental health concerns are "skyrocketing", with four in ten saying they are worried about their mental health.

Dr Easton said the figures were a wake up call, adding: "A concerted effort is needed from government and employers to provide young people with security and hope for the future, redress gender inequality at work and help manage the growing mental health crisis among young people."

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Women in the workplace

FOR 47 years, it's been illegal to pay men and women different rates for the same job.

But as of 2017, the mean gender pay gap for women working full-time is 14.1 per cent.

So why is there such a big gender pay gap?

Charities have suggested factors include discrimination, undervaluing roles predominantly done by women, dominance of men in best paid positions and unequal caring responsibilities.

The gender pay gap is still an issue around the globe, and , it won’t close until 2186.

If you think you've been fairly discriminated against you can:

• complain directly to the person or organisation
• use someone else to help you sort it out (called ‘mediation’ or ‘alternative dispute resolution’)
• make a claim in a court or tribunal

Contact the  for help and advice.

Sam Smethers, Fawcett Society chief executive, said: "Harassment, discrimination, anxiety and debt are facts of life for far too many young women today.

"Their lives should be better than their mothers' but this survey suggests otherwise.

"We need to end the misogyny and harassment they experience and give them fair pay at work by ending pay and maternity discrimination."

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As of 2017, the mean gender pay gap for women working full-time is 14.1 per cent.

It comes after it was revealed no women made it into the BBC's list of top 10 highest paid stars.

Last year’s report sparked mutiny at the BBC with a number of top women threatening to quit unless they had substantial pay-rises, but this year’s shows there are 12 men on more than £400,000 and no women.