THE average woman effectively works for free for two months of the year compared to the average man, according to analysis published by the TUC today.

The gender pay gap for all employees is 17.3%. This pay gap means that women have to wait 63 days before they start to get paid on Women’s Pay Day today.

The analysis published today – which is also the first day of the TUC’s annual women’s conference in London – shows that in some parts of the country gender pay gaps are even bigger so their Women’s Pay Day is later in the year.

Women in Yorkshire and the Humber (18.2% pay gap) have to wait until Saturday, March 7, for their Women’s Pay Day.

Regional variations in the gender pay gap are likely to be caused by differences in the types of jobs and industries that are most common in different parts of the UK.

The biggest gender pay gaps in Yorkshire and the Humber are in:

• Selby: The pay gap is 31.9% which means women work for 116 days for free and don’t get paid until April 26.

• Kingston upon Hull: A 24.3% pay gap means women wait until March 29 for their pay day.

• North Lincolnshire: A 24.0% pay gap means women wait until March 28 for their pay day.

TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams said: “Our economy is stacked against working women. At this rate, it will take another 50 years to close the gender pay gap.

“No more excuses: government must get on and sort the gender pay gap now.

“Just publishing gender pay gaps isn’t enough. Companies must be required to explain what steps they’ll take to close their gender pay gaps – and bosses who don’t comply with the law should be fined.

“And employers must do more to help women balance family responsibilities and work. Flexible working should be a day one right for everyone at work.

“Every year unions help thousands of women get the pay they deserve. And workplaces that recognise unions are more likely to have family-friendly policies and fair pay. That’s why every woman should be in a union.”