Less than one month after Office for National Statistics (ONS) data proved that the gender pay gap stood at 9.4%, research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that the gap gets worse as women rise up through the ranks.

The data submitted on behalf of the CMI found that women over the age of 40 years old who hold management roles receive pay that is approximately 35% lower than men in comparable positions.  When women hit their 60’s, the gap widens to about 38%.

The research was presented by CMI chief executive, Anne Francke to a select committee during a discussion surrounding gender equality.  Francke said:

Anyone who thinks they’ve abolished the glass ceiling just by hitting Lord Davies’ targets is misguided.  Equality and fair progression means much more than having the same number of men and women on boards.  Female managers face what I believe is a ‘glass pyramid.’ The walls close in with every step, and women are likely to slip down the pecking order when it comes to pay.

Lord Davies made recommendations that organisations should aim to have a boardroom that is at least 33% women.  Human resource experts also agreed when Francke said that managers at every level should really be held accountable in some facet for equality in the workplace. Francke goes on to state that if women aren’t getting paid whatever the average going rate is for any given position, it could be considered discrimination.

The select committee Francke presented to will consider all of the evidence in order to determine areas for improvement.  Regulation on gender pay reporting is already on the list.