Graduates from the poorest parts of Scotland earn an average of 11 per cent less than their more affluent counterparts five years after finishing their studies, figures show.
Statistics published by the Scottish Government show those from the wealthiest backgrounds earn a median of £31,000, while those from the poorest areas pocket £27,400.The figures looked at graduates from the 2014-15 academic year and their earnings in the 2020-21 tax year, showing a median earning of £29,900 per year for all students.
When broken down by the sex of the graduates, the figures also lay bare a bigger gap between men and women from more affluent backgrounds.Median earnings for male graduates from the richest areas are £32,100, compared to £30,300 for women, while the gap is just £400 for those from the most deprived areas.
The difference in median earnings between those with a disability and without is £2,200, the figures also show.Scottish Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said the statistics show the “level of ingrained inequality that thousands of young people in Scotland face”.She added: “It is clear to see that people from the most deprived backgrounds, women and disabled people are being held back and are earning less after they graduate than others.
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