WOMEN who work in mental healthcare are facing a gender pay gap which could see them earning 6 per cent less than their male colleagues, analysis revealed today.

Just three NHS mental health trusts reported no difference of hourly pay between male and female mental health staff, including psychiatrists, nurses and healthcare assistants, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP).

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) had the largest gender pay gap, with men paid 17.7 per cent more than women on average.