NEW research shows that the gender divide in the South West has increased, with men gaining an average three per cent wage rise compared to just 0.9 per cent among women.

The research by ManpowerGroup showed that the average pay for men stood at £15.79 per hour, while women were paid £13.05 per hour.

Dugald McIntosh, from ManpowerGroup, said: “There is quite a marked difference in pay growth between men and women in the South West.

“One reason for this growing gender divide is that many of the roles and industries which have thrived in the region in recent years still tend to be male-dominated so the sharp pay rises will be enjoyed by more men than women.

“As well as the increase in the energy sector’s pay, the transportation and storage sector saw pay shoot up 12.1 per cent over the past year and workers in agriculture also enjoyed an average 11.8 per cent pay rise.

“However, we have seen signs that companies are working hard to address the gender gap with EDF Energy’s project to bring more women into the energy sector just one notable example.”

The research also found that Wiltshire has above average pay for the South West at £25,300 compared to a regional average of £24,400.

Yet this is still lower than the UK average of £27,200.