THE PAY GAP between men and women has increased since the start of the economic crisis, according to figures released today.

Figures from trade union Unite also  found that more than one-fifth of women workers are in low-paid jobs.

“Working people and disadvantaged groups such as women have borne the brunt of austerity policies adopted in response to the economic crisis,” said Unite regional secretary Jimmy Kelly.

The research found that 600,000 women live in deprivation or at risk of poverty across the country.

The figures were released to coincide with a conference on women and employment which starts in Wexford today.

The figures found difference between how much men and women are paid has increased from 12.6 per cent to 14.4 per cent. The gap is slightly slower than the European Union average of 16 per cent.

Almost two thirds of lone parents in the country are at risk of poverty, the research found. The union said that social welfare payments need to be substantially increased.

Taryn Trainor of Unite said the figures “highlight the disproportionate impact of the economic crisis and the austerity responses to it on women”.

Read: Gender pay gap in Ireland still ‘unacceptably’ wide >

Column: Gender pay gap is a major problem… for all of us >

Read: Men get paid 21 per cent more than women in the private sector >