THE GENDER pay gap is far wider in Hampshire than the national average, with men's earnings outstripping women's by an average £2.87 an hour.

New government figures expose the inequality in the region's pay packets with Southampton men taking home £2.57 an hour more than their female colleagues.

Nationally, the gap stands at £1.58, although 34 years have passed since the Equal Pay Act came into force.

City women earn on average £200 less each week than their male colleagues across the desk, as reported by the Daily Echo.

That jaw-dropping figure came from the GMB union at the start of the year but the new government statistics show the pay divide is yawning as wide as ever.

Hampshire men pocket £11.93 an hour on average, while Southampton men earn £12.05. Hampshire women put £9.06 an hour in their purse, while in the city their hourly figure stands at £9.48.

"The figure is a bit of a shock," said vice-chairman of the Hampshire Federation of Small Businesses Ken Moon. "I didn't know that we are that out of line with the national trend.

"I don't think it is prejudice. The gap has traditionally been there and sometimes it's not easy to bridge. I think it is important that we recognise the contribution that women make. If people are doing the same job there is no justification for paying different rates."

But the government says "career sexism" keeps women out of higher-paying professions.

Manufacturing, engineering and science deter women with their macho, male-dominated image, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt, leading to an over-concentration of women in just ten occupations which typically pay the least. These include administration, childcare, sales and nursing.

"Women are getting a raw deal and a lot of companies are just paying lip service to equality," said Dr Melanie Ashleigh, a Southampton University human resources expert.

"Research says companies advertise the same deal but actually offer different packages to women.

"Even though we have worked up the hierarchical ladder then we find there are still more hoops to jump through."

John Hellyer, Amicus union's south-east secretary, said: "It's not just a problem for women though, it's a problem for families.

"If a woman in Southampton is earning £379 a week, her male colleague will be earning well over £480 - over the course of a year, that's enough for a luxury holiday."