Lidl Ireland has reported a 5.2% mean gender pay gap, down from 7.9% in 2022 and nearly half the national average of 9.6% – according to the Central Statistics Office.
The retailer has consistently reported positive trends in the past two years, with the median pay gap also decreasing from 4.1% in 2022 to 0% in 2024.
Gender pay gap is the difference between the average hourly pay rate of male and female employees, and since Lidl employed a gender-neutral policy, men and women in the company are paid the same rate at the same levels in hourly and salaried roles.
Lidl has attributed the remaining gender pay gap in the company to a greater proportion of males and females in senior roles in the business.
The retailer has made significant progress in the progression of female talent into key leadership roles in recent years, as well as employing female-focused HR policies to support female staff.
Policies include menopause supports, compassionate leave for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, and the Lupilu family leave programme, which supports those looking to start a family while also achieving their professional potential.
Lidl Ireland is also a founding member of LEAD Network's Ireland Chapter – supporting the group's mission to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer goods industry through education, leadership and male allyship.
The organisation also offers a wide variety of resources, events and best practice case studies developed by members for members.
‘Positive Impact’
Speaking about the shrinking gap, chief people officer and board executive at Lidl Ireland Maeve McCleane said, “We are pleased to see a reduction once again this year by our mean gender pay gap dropping from 7% to 5.2% – almost half the average gender pay gap in Ireland.
“We strongly believe in the positive impact that a zero gender pay gap can have, not only on our own colleagues, but on Ireland’s economy and society.
“By tapping into wider talent pools across genders, we will ensure a multiplicity of opinions and approaches, develop enhanced teamwork, ensure we retain both our female and male colleagues and that genders across our workforce are reflective of our broad and diverse customer base.
“We have been laying the foundation to lower our gender pay gap for many years now and have launched several colleague initiatives to reduce obstacles and provide stepping stones and dissolve barriers for females during every life stage.
“These include flexible working policies, talent forums to ensure a fair and transparent approach to appraisals, our Leadership Academy, enhanced maternity leave, compassionate leave, menopause supports and Lupilu family leave programme.
“We’re also proud to be a founding member of the LEAD Network Ireland Chapter and be part of the shared goal of attracting, retaining and advancing women in the retail and consumer goods industry.
“We’re delighted to report tangible progress in our pay gap this year, achieving a 0% median gap, and we’re committed to continuing on our journey to a 0% mean pay gap with policies, supports and programmes that have real impact on our colleagues’ lives and careers trajectory for many years to come.”
Read More: Lidl Ireland’s Trolley Dash Bags €314,123 For Family Carers Ireland
