Female resignation rates have hit a new high in the HR sector, despite women achieving promotion at a quicker rate than men, according to research by the Chartered Management Institute and Remuneration Economics.

The findings reveal that resignation rates among women in HR stand at 5.5%, up from 4.7% last year. The survey also reveals that resignation rates are lower among men in the sector (4.7%), ensuring continuation of the recent trend that sees women more likely to quit their jobs. Fewer women (2.6%) than men (3.7%) are also inclined to ask for ‘internal transfers’ if they are dissatisfied with their current role.

It found that there was a 5.7% increase in female earnings in the sector is accompanied by a 6.3% increase for men – the first time in 11 years male earnings have grown at a faster rate.

The research found that in real terms female managers earned an average of £45,108, in the year to January 2007, £10,294 less than the male equivalent of £55,402.

Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: “It is clear that the pull of promotion is not being matched by parity in pay.  Despite the weight of legislation and the reality that reward should match responsibility, gender bias seems to be getting worse, not better.”