Now women reach peak earnings in 40s, not 30s

WOMEN are hitting their pay packet peak in their forties for the first time.

Traditionally, women’s wages would tail off after the age of 40, with many forced to accept lower salaries when they return to work after having children and bringing up their family.

But a report by the Office for National Statistics shows wages for both men and women in full-time work have peaked between the ages of 40 and 49 for the first time since records began in 1997. Average earnings for women in their forties rose to £601 a week, or £31,252 a year, from £589 a week, or £30,628 yearly, in their thirties.

Jane Gratton, of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘We need more action to ensure women of all ages receive fair and equal pay at every level.’