The average gender pay gap at the Irish operations of Lidl stood at 6.2% at the end of last year, according to new data released by the supermarket chain.
The figure represents a 30% reduction on the 8.8% it recorded in 2020.
Nationally, the gender pay gap is 11.3% and at European level it is 14.1%.
"We strongly believe in the positive impact that a zero gender pay gap can have, not only on our own colleagues, but Ireland's society and economy," said Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer and Board Executive at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.
However, the company said it recognises that it needs to take further steps to reduce and eventually eliminate the gap completely.
Overall, Lidl Ireland’s workforce of 5,000 is made up of 55% males and 45% females and that is mirrored in the top quartile of employees.
In the upper middle quartile the percentage of men rises to 59% versus 41% female.
While in the lower middle quartile 56% are male and 44% are female and in the lower quartile 55% are male and 45% are female.
The publication of the report by Lidl comes ahead of a legal requirement for companies here which employ more than 250 employees to report on their gender pay gap.
Lidl claims it made progress in closing its gender pay gap by removing obstacles to career progression and putting in place measures to assist women.
"These include more flexible working policies and hours, talent forums to ensure a fair and transparent approach to the appraisal process, our Leadership Academy and an updated recruitment process to encourage better retention as well as compassionate leave policies, enhanced maternity leave policies, a Lupilu buddies programme and menopause support," said Ms McCleane.
"We were the first retailer in Ireland to commit to the UN Women Empowerment Principles in 2020 and are about to launch a structured Women in Leadership Mentorship programme, as well as support policies for colleagues undergoing fertility treatment."
