The Association of Professional Staffing Companies said Thursday the gender pay gap in the UK has fallen to 9.6% this year from 19% back 20 years ago. However, it said more must be done to promote equal pay with many companies below average, and recruitment firms must work to help reduce the gap.

“The recruitment profession has not only a social responsibility, but also a real opportunity, to create an even playing field through encouraging firms to boost diversity and inclusion, and to help create solutions for an equal workplace for all,” APSCo Chief Executive Ann Swain said. “We must be advocates for fair recruitment practices to achieve workforce diversity across all sectors, and ensure female professionals have every opportunity to fulfil their full potential.”

Business must prioritise creating diversity and promote opportunities for women, Swain said.

“Over the past 20 years I have witnessed growing discourse on the subject, and have seen companies from traditionally male-dominated sectors boost initiatives to encourage female participation, such as returnships,” she said. “However, this alone is not enough to create equal pay.”