The idea that women are not as pushy as men in their pursuit of pay rises has been largely debunked.
A study by Cass Business School and the universities of Warwick and Winsconsin has revealed that women are just as likely as men to ask for an increase in salary, but are less likely to receive one.
When men and women in similar positions were compared, it was found that male employees were 25% more likely to get a pay rise.
Co-author of the study, Andrew Oswald, a professor of economics and behavioural science at the University of Warwick said: “Having seen these findings, I think we have to accept that there is some element of pure discrimination against women.”
The study, using a randomly chosen sample of 4,600 workers, was based on an Australian survey, as it is the only country in the world to collect systematic information on whether employees have requested a rise.
The study also examined the claim that female employees do not ask for more money due to factors such as not wanting to upset their boss, not wanting to deviate from perceived gender stereotypes or the fear they may be less popular in the office. The study found all of these conceptions to be false.
Despite the worrying findings, there were reasons for optimism, as young women received increases as their male counterparts.
Co-author of the study, Dr Amanda Goodall of Cass Business School said: “Young women today are negotiating their pay and conditions more successfully than older females and perhaps that will continue as they become more senior.”