High-profile divorce highlights UK pay disparities

The high-profile divorce of former Beatle Paul McCartney and his ex-wife Heather Mills has highlighted the issue of low pay, one organisation has said.

According to figures produced by recruitment firm Adecco, the £24.3 million secured by Mills as a result of her four-year marriage to McCartney represents monthly average earnings of £159,687.50.

This figure compares to the average of £1,878.58 earned by mechanics each month and £2,411.66 brought in by teachers.

However, commenting on the figures, Adecco head of communications Louise Oliver stated that pay levels are not a "pivotal factor" for employees looking for alternative employment.

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She said: "It is widely accepted that satisfaction in the workplace relies on many … factors other than pay, such as your relationships with colleagues and your boss, your physical environment and your opportunity for progression."

Research published earlier this month by the Trades Union Congress suggested that women in their 30s earn an average of 11.2 per cent less than their male counterparts.