Women in the Workplace

Becky Gittins (Clwyd East) (Lab) asked the Minister for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, what steps the government is taking to support women in the workplace. The Minister responded that the government's mission is to "make work pay" for women, which includes providing protections from maternity discrimination and sexual harassment, speeding up progress on the gender pay gap, and strengthening equal pay protections. This, the Minister said, will enable women to thrive and transform their working lives. Gittins followed up, agreeing that to grow the economy, the government needs to create conditions to encourage and support more women back into the workplace, unlike "worrying comments" made by some opposition leadership contenders. The Minister strongly agreed, stating that supporting women's return and progression at work is crucial for securing economic growth, and that this Labour government is on the side of new mothers, strengthening their workplace protections and improving access to flexible working. Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP) then intervened, noting the recent killings of women in Northern Ireland and stating that the government needs to do more than just "pay lip service" to supporting women, whether in the home or workplace, and to punish the perpetrators. The Minister agreed, stating that women and girls deserve to be safe, which is why the government is acting to provide domestic abuse specialists in emergency rooms and specialist rape crisis centres across the UK. Finally, Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab) raised the issue of Baby Loss Awareness Week, and the importance of bereavement leave for those who experience miscarriage. The Minister thanked Owen for raising this, acknowledged her work on the issue, and stated that the government will work to ensure those experiencing baby loss are supported and protected.