By Sammie Jones-
Seven projects will receive funding of half a million pounds to support women and those with caring responsibilities back into employment
The funding is part of the government’s £5m commitment to help women with care responsibilities back into work,including victims of domestic violence and homeless women. The initiative is part of the government’s drive to support disadvantaged women in the UK, and broaden their employment chances, thereby maximising their income. The announcement comes ahead of the launch of a new strategy which will set out how women of all ages should be supported to achieve their potential.
Working in conjunction with more than 100 employers, the project has been allocated nearly £500,000. The funds will contribute to the provision of refresher courses, and training and qualifications to women from all backgrounds who have taken time away from work for caring responsibilities. Women are known to have suffered long time discrimination in the labour market, finding themselves on the lower end of the gender pay gap in many industries. Women are fighting for their rights more these days in challenging improper discrimination or victimisation by male employers.
The move is specially aimed at attracting women who have unfortunately been hindered in their profession and offer them greater opportunities to maximise their potential.
Minister for Women & Equalities, Penny Mordaunt, said:
“It is completely unacceptable that the careers of talented women are held back because they take time out of their jobs to care for a loved one.
“Businesses cannot afford to overlook the potential of these talented women. That’s why we are investing in returners to work – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills. By acting on this issue we can grow the economy and achieve true equality in our workplaces.”
The successful bids include a project that will give women the tools to progress in the security industry, another that will seek to help victims of domestic abuse and an initiative to help female partners of the Armed Forces and veterans return to work.
Pioneering research by Eige found that reducing gender gaps in labour market participation, STEM qualifications and wages, could increase the size of the UK economy by around £55 billion by 2030.This funding is part of the government’s £5 million commitment to boost projects supporting women with caring responsibilities across the country back into the job market.