Gender and Racial Inequality in the Workplace 2023-07-12
2023-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over gender and racial disparities in employment opportunities.
What steps is the Government taking to help tackle gender and racial inequality in the workplace?
The Government have taken numerous steps including the 'Inclusive Britain' strategy, supporting employers with clear advice on diversity and inclusion interventions. We are also working towards a new voluntary inclusion confident scheme to support employers in effective diversity and inclusion measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific initiatives or actions beyond general strategies.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A report by Pregnant Then Screwed highlights the inadequacy of current parental leave policies in promoting gender equality.
Research shows better-paid parental leave would improve labour market equality. Why is the Government blocking greater gender equality through their parental leave policy?
This Government has done much to promote gender equality including shared parental leave, extended redundancy protection for those on maternity leave, carer's leave, and strengthening protections against workplace harassment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the government opposes better-paid parental leave policies.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A report from the Fawcett Society reveals that mothers with two children earn significantly less than women without children, compounding racial disparities.
Will the UK Government tackle the motherhood pay penalty by making flexible working mandatory and introducing gender and ethnicity pay gap reporting?
We have introduced a right to ask for flexible working, which strikes a balance for business. We are not making it mandatory but rather supporting the right to request it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to introducing gender and ethnicity pay gap reporting or mandatory flexible working.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about racial discrimination in the workplace are raised by local residents and addressed through initiatives with employers, education authorities, and healthcare providers.
What is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure that public services exemplify race equality in the workplace?
Our 'Inclusive Britain' strategy focuses on promoting racial equality in the public sector through fair and transparent measures, adhering to the Equality Act 2010. We welcome collaboration with local initiatives for specific actions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete examples of actions or progress.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Studies indicate that new technologies such as artificial intelligence can perpetuate biases across various demographic factors.
What recent assessment has the Minister made on the equalities impact of AI use in recruitment and employment? Has this been discussed with Cabinet colleagues?
I raised concerns about AI bias with Cabinet colleagues recently, including a meeting with the Government chief scientific officer. We are looking at datasets and large language models used by AI but note that equality impact assessments apply mainly to public sector duties.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific recent assessment findings or concrete action plans.
Response accuracy