A Government package aimed at improving pay and conditions for working mothers was launched by Ruth Kelly, communities secretary, on Monday, in response to a report in February by the Women and Work Commission. Ms Kelly is to back a national campaign to encourage businesses to become 'exemplar' employers, offering women help with flexible working, time-share and good quality part-time work. From April 2007 all public sector employers will have a duty to ensure equal pay and opportunities for men and women. Eighty big companies signed up to the scheme so far include BP, BAE Systems and BT. 'Helping women harness their full potential is worth up to 23bn a year to the UK economy,' said MsKelly. 'The challenge now is to ensure that we establish a long-term change in attitude and a major expansion of opportunities, with businesses helping individuals make the most of their talents.'
A Government package aimed at improving pay and conditions for working mothers was launched by Ruth Kelly, communities secretary, on Monday, in response to a report in February by the Women and Work Commission. Ms Kelly is to back a national campaign to encourage businesses to become 'exemplar'
employers, offering women help with flexible working, time-share and good quality part-time work. From April 2007 all public sector employers will have a duty to ensure equal pay and opportunities for men and women. Eighty big companies signed up to the scheme so far include BP, BAE Systems and BT. 'Helping women harness their full potential is worth up to 23bn a year to the UK economy,' said MsKelly. 'The challenge now is to ensure that we establish a long-term change in attitude and a major expansion of opportunities, with businesses helping individuals make the most of their talents.'
