GENDER pay equality remains a 'top priority' at one of the biggest employers in the area.

That is the message from AWE bosses after it was revealed the company has a gender pay gap of 15 per cent, for median pay, just under the national average of 19 per cent.

Like all organisations with more than 250 employees, AWE, based in Aldermaston and Burghfield, is required to publish its gender pay gap data annually.

This is the second annual report AWE has filed.

The report also includes information on the proportion of men and women that receive a bonus; the difference between the amount paid to men and women in bonuses; and the proportion of men and women in each quartile of an employer’s pay structure.

Iain Coucher, AWE chief executive officer, said: “This time last year, I said that addressing instances of gender pay gaps is a moral and ethical issue. This remains true.

“Talent is unrelated to gender and other forms of diverse background and companies must continue to focus relentlessly on ensuring fairness and equality in their workforces. At AWE, this is and will remain a priority for everybody. There may be reasons why disparity exists – but there can be no excuses for inaction.”

Sian Butler, AWE director of assurance and risk, said: “Our overall aim is to have a 50:50 gender split across our new starters because in order to attract the best and brightest, women and men, we need to recruit from as wide a talent pool as possible.

“We have made great strides in growing a culture of inclusivity, diversity and innovation – we know that talent is not gender-specific. We have already seen the benefits that diversity in the workforce can bring – new ideas, different perspectives and creative energy – and these are exciting times to be at AWE.”

To read the full report, go to awe.co.uk.