​Huge discrepancies in third sector pay across the UK revealed

Scottish charity workers earn up to 12% less than those in the rest of the UK, a new study has found.

The 28th annual Charity Rewards survey found wide discrepancies in third sector pay across the country.

Charity workers living in London earn on average £34,124 while workers in the West Midlands earn an average of £28,600.

Those in Scotland earn £28,420 on average.

The survey, conducted by HR firm Croner, found that UK charity workers are paid as much as 32% below other sectors nationally, and up to 50% below other sectors in London.

More than 250 charities across the UK, accounting for over 40,000 employees, were looked at.

Other key findings were that on average chief executive pay is 30% below other sectors.

Croner’s Clare Parkinson said: "As in previous surveys, pay in the charity sector is well below that of other sectors.

"Looking at the whole country, pay for chief executives in charities averages £82,423, which is 30% below the all sector median of £166,516.

"London-based charities are paying seriously below the London all-sector average at director and senior executive level, by 31% to 50%."

Within charities the highest paid director jobs are in IT, followed by science and finance.

While at junior management level the highest earners are in purchasing and supply, specialist and information services.