Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women in the Workplace

Wednesday 13 July 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is committed to supporting women in the workplace through new initiatives including salary transparency in job adverts and a taskforce for women-led businesses.
  • Government agrees that free speech should be protected and employers must comply with the Equality Act 2010 as interpreted by the courts.
  • Minister for Women and Equalities will write to Maria Miller to provide a fuller update on the Government's commitment to preventing workplace violence and harassment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joanna Cherry SNP
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from a broader discussion on measures to aid women's advancement and equality at work.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to support women in the workplace?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are committed to helping women in every workplace and have announced new initiatives such as requiring employers to provide salary information in job adverts, promoting women's return to STEM roles, and establishing a taskforce to increase the number of women-led high growth businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or commitments were provided beyond general statements about initiatives.

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Q2 Joanna Cherry SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

This question follows a legal judgment affirming the protection of gender-critical beliefs under the Equality Act. It prompts for steps to ensure compliance with this ruling by employers.

Question

Will the Minister join in welcoming the employment appeal tribunal's judgment on protecting gender-critical beliefs and will she outline what steps will be taken to ensure all employers comply with these legal protections?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We agree that free speech should be protected and open discussion allowed. It is each employer's responsibility to comply with legislation such as the Equality Act 2010, interpreted by the courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly state support for the judgment or outline specific steps for compliance.

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Q3 Maria Miller Con
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

The UK Government ratified the International Labour Organisation convention to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace, particularly affecting women.

Question

How will the Government ensure compliance with the provisions of the International Labour Organisation convention on preventing and enforcing laws against workplace violence and harassment?

Answer from Chloe Smith

The Minister for Women and Equalities will write to my right hon. Friend to provide a fuller update on the Government's commitment to these matters.

Not addressed: Did not outline specific steps or programmes, instead suggested follow-up through correspondence.

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