‘Gender bonus bias’ revealed as men nearly 1.5 times more likely to receive bonuses than women

Men in the UK are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to receive a bonus than women, and when they do, their payouts are significantly higher, according to new research from HR data specialists Brightmine.

The study found that men received an average bonus of £4,913, equivalent to 9.5 per cent of salary, compared to £2,723or 6 per cent of salary for women. This represents a gender bonus gap of £2,190 – meaning men’s bonuses are 1.8 times higher than women’s.

The disparity is most pronounced in mid-life careers. In their early 50s, men earn average bonuses of £8,693, while women in the same age group receive £4,193 – a gap of £4,500.

Brightmine also found wide variation across job roles. Directors were awarded average bonuses of £54,014, representing 33.6 per cent of their salary, while routine task providers such as cleaners or catering assistants received just £535, or 2.2 per cent. Sales and marketing staff topped the sector tables with bonuses averaging 23.5 per cent of salary (£17,493), while science roles saw the lowest average payouts at £726 (1.5 per cent).