We are still some way off achieving pay equality in the UK. The latest official figures show that the gender pay gap has fallen by more than a quarter in the past decade, but it still stands at 12.6% in 2007. However, across different sectors of the economy, occupations and age groups, the gap varies widely.

Our article The gender pay gap in 2008 takes a closer look at official statistical data on progress towards pay equality in the UK.

We also provide the latest IRS analysis of pay settlements. Covering the three-month period to 31 March 2008, our headline measure of pay awards remains stable at 3.5%. But we also look ahead at some of the April pay awards already implemented, and reveal that this period of stability is unlikely to continue.

Other top stories in this issue:

• HR must communicate the value of the reward package
• Pensions experts warn of poor outlook for UK’s army of non-savers
• Clerical salary growth outpaces operatives' rises

Finally, XpertHR has a brand-new search engine, which includes improved relevance, "did you mean?" spelling suggestions, synonym matches and intuitive ways to refine results. Try it out and tell us what you think.

Do you need authoritative pay and benefits benchmarking data? If so, you'll be interested to hear that the specialist salary and benefits survey company Celre is now part of the XpertHR Group. Click here for information on the Celre surveys and how your organisation can participate.

Sheila Attwood,
Editor,
Pay and Benefits Bulletin

Pay reports recently added to the site:

Engineering construction industry: second-stage increase lifts rates by 4.4%

Flat glass industry: rates increased by 3.5%

Forestry Commission: 3.5% average salary increase

Pay review update: 25 April 2008

The latest pay review update table contains pay settlements at the Bank of England, Argos, Wilkinson and many more.

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Statistics and forecasts

The datafile contains the most recent inflation, earnings and labour market statistics, pay settlement data and inflation and earnings forecasts. Our panel of City and academic forecasters expects headline inflation to fall gradually from an average 3.9% in the first quarter of the year to 2.7% by the end of the year. Average earnings growth is expected to remain in the region of 4% over the remainder of 2008.

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From the blog

Launched and run by the editorial team that produces XpertHR and the IRS e-journals, the Employment Intelligence blog is regularly updated with news, comment and links to the latest employment developments. Recent posts include:

• Immigration hits wages of lowest-paid workers
• Benchmark your organisation's benefits
• UK interest rates cut to 5%

Today's tip: find pay data for your sector

Do you need to benchmark your pay and benefits package against other organisations in your sector? Click on the Pay and Benefits data by sector to locate your business sector, from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to transport and communication. All the latest news and data for your sector is then at your fingertips.

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