Women in the Workplace 2021-11-24
2021-11-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about steps to support women after returning from maternity leave and highlights the importance of ensuring fair treatment in professional settings like sports.
What steps are being taken to support women in the workplace, including extending redundancy protections after maternity leave, introducing neonatal leave, and increasing flexible working opportunities?
To help women in the workplace, we intend to build on existing legislation by extending redundancy protections after maternity leave, introducing neonatal leave and pay, and one week of unpaid carer's leave. We are consulting on measures to increase flexible working availability.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP meets Kate Seary and Mhairi Maclennan from Kyniska Advocacy, who campaign against abuse of women in sport. The professionalisation of women's sport raises issues of fairness and dignity at work.
Does the Minister agree that sports governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for female athletes? What action is being taken by the Government Equalities Office?
The Sport Minister is doing a lot of work to ensure that women in sports do not face abuse, but there are no specific actions mentioned by the Government Equalities Office.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions by the Government Equalities Office were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP met Stuart and Daphne Anderson from Farnless bison farm, who are concerned about succession rules that discriminate against women in the farming industry.
Will the Minister meet to discuss issues regarding succession rules unfairly discriminating against women in the farming industry?
My colleagues at DEFRA are looking into this issue. I will ensure they hear your question and request for a meeting, as a Minister would be willing to meet with you.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a specific meeting was not given
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the intersectional issue of pay inequality, including gender, ethnicity, and disability. The Scottish Government commits to extending gender pay gap reporting.
Will the UK Government consider following the Scottish Government's lead in requiring listed public authorities to extend gender pay gap reporting to include disability and ethnicity?
We are certainly looking at it, but no specific measures or timelines were provided for reporting on ethnicity and disability pay gaps.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or deadlines were given
Response accuracy