Male graduates are twice as likely than their female counterparts to earn a
salary above £25,000, a CIPD survey reveals.
The research also shows that for every five women graduates in the £10,000
to £15,000 salary bracket, there are just three men.
Report author Gerwyn Davies said, "It appears that female graduates
have lower expectations than their male counterparts when it comes to starting
salary."
But despite the gender pay gap, the survey of more than 750 graduates
reveals that respondents of both sexes are very happy in the workplace and
confident about the future. More than 90 per cent of graduates are positive
about their career prospects and 87 per cent feel secure in their jobs.
Davies said, "Our survey also shows that graduates are a knowledgeable,
ambitious and happy bunch who have long-term career prospects foremost in their
minds.
"Employers and managers are clearly responding to their growing needs
as consumers, with graduates reporting very high levels of satisfaction for
nearly all aspects of their work."
The survey reveals the nearly two-thirds of graduates think beginning a
career is the most important reason for accepting their first job, compared to
7 per cent who highlight a lack of money.
More than 80 per cent of new graduates are successful when they attempt to
renegotiate their salaries and the majority of respondents receive starting
salaries of £15,000 to £20,000.
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By Ben Willmott
