Gender Pension Gap 2022-07-13
2022-07-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific incident or statistic mentioned but the issue of gender pension gap is raised.
What discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the gender pension gap?
The Government are committed to addressing the gender pension gap. Automatic enrolment and the new state pension are already enabling more women to build up retirement provision. Recognising that this issue derives primarily from differences in work and pay, we continue to work across Government with employers and partners to address inequalities relating to the labour market.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details of any specific discussions held on the topic
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner mentions concerns from constituents about lack of government ambition regarding auto-enrolment.
My constituents in Swinton regularly tell me that the gender pensions gap is exacerbated as a result of a lack of ambition on the part of the Government regarding auto-enrolment. Will the Minister meet me to hear those concerns and see how we can change that?
I am sure that the Pensions Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), would be happy to have a further conversation on that. Automatic enrolment is important. It has made progress, but there will be more to do.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged meeting possibility without confirming details or specific actions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises issues related to women's careers impacting their pension contributions.
Whether it is the menopause, child rearing, or caring for elderly relatives, women are impacted across their careers in the contributions that they make to their pensions. Most of all, they need better work opportunities. What work is the Minister doing with the Minister for Employment to ensure that women's careers are at the forefront of the Government's efforts?
I will ask my colleague the employment Minister to write to my right hon. Friend to ensure she has a full update, and I touch briefly on an example such as mandatory pay gap reporting, which is helping to drive progress.
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Assessment & feedback
Offered to provide an update but did not specify concrete actions or timelines
Response accuracy