Housebuilding firm reduces gender pay gap to nearly zero

Housebuilder Springfield Properties has announced its gender pay gap has effectively been closed, reporting a small fractional difference in pay between men and women and representing a significant reduction in 2019 figures.

The Elgin-based firm said it has a mean gender pay gap of 0.5%, down from 6.8% in 2019.

According to Office of National Statistics, on average men in the UK are paid 15.4% more than women.

Employers with more than 250 employees are required to report and publish data the gap.

Springfield said its report provides a snapshot of the firm as of April 2021 and uses agreed Government methods to calculate its figures.

The firm, which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, credited the results to providing ongoing training, professional and personal development and creating an environment where all employees can thrive and progress.

The firm also took on more staff last year as part of its acquisition of Inverness rival Tulloch Homes in a deal worth £56.4 million.

Architectural assistant Kirsty Douglas, from Forres, said: “There is a misconception that technical roles are dominated by men, but that’s changing and it’s great to see more women like me given a platform for growth.”

Chief executive Innes Smith said: “We have continued to invest heavily in our team and provide clear routes for progression.”

Kirsty Douglas says she has been given a platform.