New Government drive against “career sexism”
Patricia Hewitt, who doubles up as Trade and Industry Secretary and Minister for Women, has announced a new drive to ensure female participation in male-dominated industries.
The new figures on the gender pay gap are due to be released on Thursday, but last year the gap stood at 19.5 per cent.
In July the Prime Minister set up the Women in Work Commission (WWC) to advise on all aspects of policy relating to women and work, including education and skills, occupational segregation, tax and benefit systems as well as discrimination. It is due to report in the autumn of 2005.
Though today’s announcement sees no new legislation and little new money on offer, Ms Hewitt announced plans to ensure that women are fully informed about job opportunities in areas like IT, manufacturing and engineering, through better information for school leavers and adult “taster courses” in non-traditional subjects.
There will also be efforts to increase the number of female entrepreneurs and funding for universities to help female science and engineering graduates find jobs in those industries;
Ms. Hewitt said: “It’s not Government’s job to dictate employment options to people, but we must give women more choice if we are to address the chronic pay gap.
“Career sexism limits opportunities for women of all ages and prevents them from achieving their full potential. It is simply wrong to assume someone cannot do a job on the grounds of their sex.
“There are many women who want to get into science or manufacturing jobs, but are put off by the macho, male-dominated image and the misconception that a woman simply couldn’t do the job.”
Ms Hewitt also announced £80,000 for the Equal Pay Experts Panel, run by the TUC, which will advise companies on equal pay reviews and train union reps in equal pay bargaining.
A new report out today from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) claims that workplace productivity is suffering because women’s skills are not being maximised.
The EOC’s research also shows that around a third of women in some sectors are taking part-time jobs below their potential, and maternity leave is an issue that has not yet been satisfactorily resolved.
Chair of the EOC, Julie Mellor, said today: “Women could be Britain’s competitive edge. Eliminating the gender gap at work benefits employers, women and the economy – increasing productivity and opening up more choice and potential earnings for women.”
EOC findings also reveal that there is a gulf in hourly earnings between women and men in full time employment – women earn 20 per cent less per hour.
Ms Mellor commented: “The causes of the gender pay gap are impacting on Britain’s economy as well as women’s pay packets.
“Tackling the causes of the pay gap would benefit employers by helping them to make the best use of their female employees,” she added.
