And finally…gender pay gap starts at home

The new data, compiled by independent market research agency Childwise, shows that boys are more likely than girls to receive some form of regular income.

Those aged five to 16 years old receive £10.70 per week on average from pocket money, an allowance or money from a paid job or chores. In comparison, girls receive 20 per cent less – just £8.50 per week.

Girls are more likely than boys to say they receive no regular payments at all.

Childwise Research Manager Jenny Ehren, said: “The data points towards an early gender imbalance in the way parents educate their children about money matters and financial independence.

“Boys are more likely to be entrusted with regular cash payments, while girls are more reliant on other people buying them items, or managing money on their behalf.”

The 2017 Childwise Monitor is a comprehensive annual report looking at five to 16-year-olds media consumption, purchasing and social habits as well as key behaviour.

Differences become more pronounced with age, with boys aged 11-16 receiving an income of £17.80 per week on average, compared with just £12.50 among girls – a difference of 30 per cent.

The majority of children receive some form of regular weekly payment, typically pocket money or an allowance from their parents. Just one in five claims to receive money from a paid job. “Girls appear to have less financial freedom than boys” said Ms Ehren. “They are more likely to have things bought for them, including expensive items such as clothes and footwear, and lower cost purchases such as toiletries, hair products and makeup.

“The value of these purchases almost certainly helps to bridge the income gap between boys and girls, but the approach to managing finances is noticeably different.”

The new report also reveals that parents are more likely to hand over pocket money as a cash payment to boys.

Meanwhile, girls are more likely than boys to say their parents hold onto their money and give it to them when they need it.

Ms Ehren added: “Children pick up gender clues all around them, some subtle, and some not so subtle. The challenge for parents is to avoid inadvertently perpetuating these gender divisions themselves, and to help children learn the skills needed to be a confident and independent adult.”