The article examines what women in their 50s earn and whether they feel their pay reflects their experience and responsibilities. It highlights the 12.5 per cent gender pay gap among 50- to 59-year-olds, exploring how caring duties, menopause, age discrimination and decisions to work part-time may affect careers and earning power.

Nine women reportedly share their salaries and perspectives, including an executive assistant earning around £38,000 after negotiating a new role, and a café owner earning £30,000. The café owner describes the sociability and independence of running a business, but also its strain on family life and the financial pressures of rising costs; she is moving to a larger, more commercially promising premises.