British Veterinary Association responds to the gender pay gap in the veterinary profession

It has revealed that eight out of ten firms pay men more than women and the wage difference remains at 9.4%, the same level as in 2017/18. The report includes data for vet businesses with more than 250 members of staff and shows that the inequality of pay seen nationally is also reflected across the veterinary profession.

BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “This report makes for extremely disappointing reading. Whilst the gender pay gap nationally is as large as it was five years ago, it’s even more concerning that no meaningful progress has been made in addressing this fundamental inequality within the veterinary sector.

“The veterinary profession has work to do to get its house in order on this issue. SPVS’ recent salary survey showed there is a gender pay gap for vets as early as the first two years after graduation, meaning that women in the profession are playing salary catch-up right from the outset of their career.

“We acknowledge that calculating the gender pay gap is complicated, particularly in workplaces where some roles are predominantly carried out by women or where women outnumber men at the earlier career stages of a profession. However fair, transparent and equal pay is one of the keystones of good veterinary workplaces and therefore its vital that employers tackle this issue head on.

“BVA recently launched a new member guide encouraging employers, managers and employees to have open and effective conversations around pay. Whilst it’s not a silver bullet, it offers practical steps towards action and it’s encouraging to see how well our members have already engaged with it, suggesting a willingness to address the issue.”