Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Workplace Inequality: Gender and Race

Wednesday 25 January 2023 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed to strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace through legislative measures.
  • Government has a strategy and plan to address the issue of women leaving the armed forces, including measures against sexual harassment.
  • Minister is willing to provide detailed information on ongoing work and guidance for companies on ethnicity pay reporting but has no plans to devolve equal opportunities policy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart McDonald SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

The questioner is concerned about gender and racial inequalities persisting despite some legislative measures.

Question

What steps are being taken to tackle gender and racial inequality in the workplace? The hon. Member mentioned two legislative measures for sexual harassment protections under the Equality Act 2010, and a commitment to publish guidance on ethnicity pay reporting as part of an inclusive Britain strategy.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

As part of our strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, we have committed to strengthen protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes two legislative measures under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill. We also committed to publishing guidance on ethnicity pay reporting for employers to support identifying unfair pay gaps.

Answered
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Q2 Carol Monaghan SNP
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The Ministry of Defence reported that in the year to September 2022, more women left the armed forces than joined. This is concerning given recent sexual abuse and harassment allegations.

Question

What measures are being taken by the Minister to ensure women's safety in the armed forces and tackle the pervasive attitude of misogyny? The questioner referenced new data showing that more women left the armed forces than joined, and highlighted concerns over sexual abuse and harassment allegations.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

My colleagues in the Ministry of Defence take seriously the issue of women leaving the armed forces. We have a strategy and plan to tackle it, including measures against sexual harassment. The Government will do everything possible to encourage women to stay and thrive in their workplaces.

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Q3 Stuart McDonald SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

The Scottish Government encourages employers to report on ethnicity pay gaps but lacks the power to enforce this policy.

Question

Is the Minister willing to discuss transferring powers for ethnic pay reporting from Scotland? The questioner highlighted that Scottish policies lack enforcement and suggested learning lessons from results.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We have no plans to devolve equal opportunities policy. Work on ethnicity pay reporting will not be made mandatory as it covers more than two separate categories. I am happy to provide detailed information about our ongoing work and guidance for companies willing to carry out ethnicity pay reporting.

Partly answered

Not addressed: devolving powers for ethnic pay reporting

How: We Have No Plans

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Q4 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Women & Equalities Standards & Ethics
Context

Gendered abuse, harassment, and bullying can occur anywhere, including this Chamber.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that action should be taken to stamp out gendered abuse, harassment, and intimidation in this Chamber? The questioner referenced allegations of misconduct against Members of Parliament and asked for a commitment to take decisive action.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I completely agree that this is a very serious issue. We condemn any Member who tries to intimidate, harass or abuse other Members of Parliament when they are simply representing their constituents. This is a place where we have freedom of speech and expression.

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Q5 Rehman Chishti Con
Community Security
Context

A previous Home Office report on hate crime showed high numbers of incidents regarding Islamophobia and antisemitism. The independent adviser on Islamophobia was removed without terms of reference for two years.

Question

What is the Government's strategy to tackle anti-Muslim hatred? The questioner mentioned a previous Home Office report showing alarming statistics on hate crimes, and questioned why the independent adviser on Islamophobia did not have clear terms of reference.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government have a strategy to tackle anti-Muslim hatred. I recommend that my hon. Friend raises this issue with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities who is responsible for that portfolio as part of the communities strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: details on current Government's strategy

How: Recommend Raising It With Another Minister

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Q6 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

The Women and Equalities Committee made five recommendations regarding menopause in the workplace, but they were rejected by the Government. The Chair described the response as complacent.

Question

Will the Minister change tack on menopause and commit to acting? The questioner referenced the rejection of committee recommendations related to menopause in the workplace, describing the government's progress as glacial.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I would ask the hon. Lady to read the women's health strategy, where she will see that the menopause is a priority area. We carefully considered Select Committee recommendations but there is no point in the Government accepting recommendations if they do not conform to our existing strategies.

Not addressed: committing to new action on menopause

How: Ask To Read Government Strategy

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