An analysis of Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) data finds that while women in 2020/21 received an average of £11,581 a year, men got £16,034 – a gap of 28 per cent.
The main factor behind the gap is the pension growth that is lost when members of the TPS take time to have and raise children.
While teachers can take leave of up to a year – during which time they remain in employment – statutory maternity pay only covers 39 weeks. This leaves three months where teachers receive no pensionable income at all if they are on leave.
Research by financial services mutual Wesleyan found that two in five female teachers in England were unaware that taking maternity leave will reduce their final pension pot. This rises to more than half of female teachers in their 20s.
Register now, read forever
Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.
What's included:
-
Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts
-
New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday
Already have an account? Sign in here