Industry sex divides still as strong as ever
The salary gap between men and women in the creative and marketing industry is just as apparent now as it ever has been, with female directors apparently being overlooked for board level positions.
This was just one headline finding revealed by readers of the The Drum following wide-reaching research of the magazine's readership.
The survey, commissioned by WRG, aimed to give a clear and precise representation of life in the industry; looking into whether the myths surrounding it could be dispelled, what trends affect our day-to-day lives and expectations of a career in this field.
Karen Perry (pictured), deputy MD at WRG, said: "The results are simultaneously surprising yet foreseeable in many ways.
"The most astonishing results uncovered the ever-existing gap in salary between males and females. Four times as many women than men earn just £15-20K and almost eight times more men than women earn £100k plus. This perhaps indicates that young women come into the industry, leaving before they progress to a higher level; possibly having to choose between their careers and children?"
The void of females at board level is also apparent. The question the industry should be answering is why? says Perry. "Well respected women of a very high calibre are out there, yet there is little explanation as to their clear minority at board level."
The survey also underlined the lack of structured training, particularly for those on lower salaries and showed the need for solid investment in both time and money by industry heads. It is understandable that training budgets will be cut back in the current economic downturn yet it can be argued that training is more important now than ever, adds Perry.
"Investing in the youth of our industry allows the talent to work wherever they choose, without everyone being forced to work for the largest and often London based organisations. It pays dividends for not only the individual but also our entire industry, retaining its enviable reputation for one of the more desired and fulfilling industries to be a part of."