Why the gender pay gap isn’t as simple as women asking for more money

Analysis: More factors are at play – and most are down to employers, writes Maya Oppenheim

Previous studies have also found that when women do request pay rises they are judged more harshly by employers than men and less likely to be granted one (Getty)

While a new study has found four in five women could be missing out on being paid more due to not negotiating wages when applying for jobs, the research risks overlooking the complex range of factors behind the gender pay gap.

The issue of women not receiving equal pay to men working in similar or less senior roles is the result of systemic problems with workplaces and wider employment practices.

Previous studies have also found that when women do request pay rises, they are judged more harshly by employers than men and less likely to be granted a raise.