Women top pay scales in a quarter of families but gains are under threat

WOMEN now out-earn husbands in almost a quarter of families, figures revealed yesterday.

But it could take 60 years before they earn more than men in half of all households, experts said.

The figures will also be affected by the coronavirus crisis, as more women than men are expected to have their hours reduced, be furloughed or lose their job.

Females were found to be the main breadwinners in 23 per cent of households, up from 19 per cent in 2004, the Office for National Statistics found.

A rise in the number of women who earn more than men could alter our society drastically, it was said.

A mother who takes home a bigger pay packet could expect the man to take on more caring responsibilities for their children or elderly parents.

Potential

Couples could also manage joint finances differently.

Fewer women may find themselves in poverty in retirement by being able to save more into a pension.

Women earn the same as, or more than, their male partner in 28 per cent of households, up from 22 per cent in 2004, the ONS found.

Men earn more than women in 72 per cent of households, down from 77 per cent in 2004.

Rebecca O’Connor, personal finance specialist at insurance company Royal London, said: “Women becoming breadwinners could be the key to some pretty big changes and the undoing of some harmful assumptions.

“These figures suggest women’s earning patterns are breaking out of a vicious circle that has persisted for generations.Women have traditionally their assumed caring roles, so have earned less. Then, because they earn less, their incomes and careers often take the hit when caring duties arise.

“The expected impact of the coronavirus lockdown on women’s work and earnings is an example of this playing out in real time, as women’s work has been lost through job cuts and caring demands.This could have a lasting impact and derail the the female breadwinner.

“However, in those households where women already earn more, it may make economic sense for male partners to take on more of the responsibilities that typically take women out of the workplace.

“This could mean more children seeing their fathers as carers.” Maike rise of