Gender parity remains a persistent challenge in the workplace today, despite the measures that have been introduced to help address this. The latest UK statistics show that in 2025, nearly eight out of 10 businesses (78%) are paying men more than women – the same figure as in 2018.

Some sectors are more affected than others, for a variety of reasons, and of course there are companies that have bucked the trend and made huge strides. Measures such as pay gap reporting have helped, with the publishing of annual data a requirement for UK businesses with over 250 employees.

However, the imbalance persists. For long-term, sustainable change, it’s essential to look at the underlying causes and take a grass roots approach by looking ahead. With artificial intelligence (AI), the digital skills gap and the disparity of girls taking STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), this gap looks set to widen without imminent action.

Current estimates are that it will take 40 years to achieve gender parity – a bleak prospect when we think of what that means for schoolchildren today. So the question is, are businesses doing enough?  

Simply by being part of the Future Talent Alliance, companies have a platform to take positive, strategic action to foster equality and inclusion. By forming connections with schools, businesses can help shape early conceptions of the workplace and provide vital role models, supporting social mobility, inclusion and gender parity, as well as investing in the long-term health and diversity of the UK talent pipeline.

Debating the issue

The programme will launch with the inaugural conference on Friday 4 July at Alliance Manchester Business School. We’re looking forward to welcoming some great speakers and hosting a series of panel discussions on topics including:  

• The digital and AI revolution: understanding the gender impact   
• Sector spotlights on finance, tech, construction and education   
• How to change perceptions and the need for role models   
• Getting involved: new resources for schools  

Participating businesses can join the debate and help shape the resource pack which will go into schools from September. There are different levels of involvement available, including partner, sponsor or advocate, so that companies can choose the level of involvement that’s right for them.

The resource pack itself will be aimed at Year 8 students, aged 12 to 13 years old, who are at the critical pre-GCSE decision-making stage. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to visible role models and early understanding of different career paths can be transformative, opening minds to sectors and possibilities that students (particularly girls) may not have previously considered. This helps to shape aspirations and build a more inclusive workforce from the ground up.

Businesses that register can also be part of the Future Talent Fortnight in November, when there will be various opportunities for businesses to engage with schools; ranging from workplace visits (real or virtual), providing mentors and speakers, online quizzes and much more.

By being part of this initiative, brands not only support social mobility and gender equality but also invest in the long-term health and diversity of the UK talent pipeline.

Beyond brand

The benefits to businesses are manifold. From increasing brand awareness and supporting both recruitment and retention to building loyalty and driving sales.

Working together with our sister agency at Spice PR we deliver a full range of brand and digital marketing services. In one recent campaign to boost gender equity and inclusion, we saw results of a fivefold increase in sales, alongside extensive media coverage and social media engagement.

The way consumers think about brands has changed. Amp’s own research has shown the importance of taking a holistic approach to your brand strategy. When it comes to gender equity and inclusion, this is about more than social responsibility, it’s a strategic imperative.

Get involved

For more details on the Future Talent Alliance and to sign up, click here.

Founder of Amp Corporate Communications, Dee Gallagher (MCIPR, MPRCA) has worked in public relations and corporate communications for over 25 years. With experience running PR agencies as well as in-house PR and communications teams, Dee has worked across the UK, Europe and US. Dee holds an MSc. Corporate Communications and has created award-winning ESG strategies for national and global brands. She has also held non-executive director roles and is a member of Women on Boards and Women Leading in Business.