The disparity in pay between men and women is as evident as ever, says a new report.

The report, from private members’ club The Route, found that women earn on average 37% less than their male counterparts.  

The disparity is most evident in the legal and management consultancy sectors. Men in the legal profession earn an average of £622,000 a year compared to £255,000 for women. Male management consultants earn £431,000, while women earn £175,000.

However, among the self-employed, the situation is reversed. Women who were self-employed earned an average of £130,000, compared to £121,000 for men.

Nabila Sadiq, a former winner of Business Woman of the Year at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards and managing director of Joslin Rowe’s temporary recruitment business, said: “It’s completely unacceptable and if the situation doesn't change rapidly, more women will take their skills out of big, established businesses and turn to entrepreneurial start ups to ensure they earn the pay they deserve.”