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Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? An Investigation into Gender Differences in the Impact of Switching Jobs on Earnings

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  • Emily Winskill

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between job mobility and earnings growth in the UK labour market, with a focus on gender differences in the returns to switching jobs. Using data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) between 2011 and 2023, the analysis compares wage progression for job switchers and stayers, controlling for individual and job characteristics. The findings show that job mobility is associated with higher earnings growth, but women experience smaller gains than men, with occupational mobility and age further widening this gap. However, the study finds no statistically significant evidence that changes in occupation, sector, or working time pattern influence this gender gap. The results highlight the importance of addressing gender disparities in the returns to job mobility and provide valuable evidence for developing policy interventions aimed at promoting more equitable labour market outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily Winskill, 2025. "Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? An Investigation into Gender Differences in the Impact of Switching Jobs on Earnings," Papers 2505.09791, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2505.09791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stefan Eriksson & Jonas Lagerström, 2012. "The Labor Market Consequences of Gender Differences in Job Search," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 33(3), pages 303-327, September.
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    6. Kidd, Michael P. & O'Leary, Nigel & Sloane, Peter, 2017. "The impact of mobility on early career earnings: A quantile regression approach for UK graduates," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 90-102.
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