Gender

Despite 30 years of legislation, the issues around gender equality and diversity in the workplace remain complex.  70% of working age women are in employment, but make up only 10% of FTSE boards.

It has been estimated that over 70% of the traditionally low paid “five c’s” – carers, cashiers, clerical staff, cleaners and catering personnel are women and that  5.6 million women are currently working in part-time jobs under their potential.  

The pay gap remains a serious issue for women and part-time work remains stigmatised as low paid and undervalued. Women working full time earn on average £559 per month less than men.  For part-time women workers the pay gap is even more dramatic, in fact it has changed little in 35 years.

The total benefits of reducing the gender segregation of jobs and increasing women’s employment has been estimated at between £15 billion and £23 billion and it could raise output in the UK’s economy by an equivalent of 2% of GDP, for many employers addressing these issues is a business imperative.