Milton Keynes funds project to help women find work

The Council is working with the charity Women Leaders to support local businesses to create more equal workplaces and help women who are struggling to find work after the pandemic.

The £30,000 investment will create ‘allies’, who will work with local businesses to help them play their part in progressing gender equality in the workplace, as well as running a programme offering one-to-one sessions for people struggling to get back into work.

The scheme is part of the Council’s £2.25m Economic Recovery Plan, which contains a range of measures to help women get back into work, including a 12-month professional development course that equips women to re-enter the workplace.

Cllr Robin Bradburn, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: ‘We all have a responsibility to ensure the places we work are welcoming for everyone, particularly employees who are underrepresented in the workplace.  I’d strongly encourage small businesses to get in touch and women who need support getting back into the workplace.

‘I’m proud of the work the Council is doing to help those people who have been most affected by the pandemic and look forward to strengthening this support as part of our Economic Recovery Plan.’

The scheme will pair women up with a mentor to support them in regaining confidence, building networks and enrolling onto Continued Professional Development (CPD) programmes.

Ruby Parmar, trustee and vice chair of the Women Leaders charity, said: ‘We have been mentoring local women for some years, but no time more than now is such support vital.  Our CareerConnect programme, working with other local groups, will help to support women with their journey back into the workplace as well as guiding young women starting in the job market for the first time.

‘With our Allyship programme we aim to engage with local businesses to share experiences and highlight the positive impacts on both gender parity and business growth through having inclusive processes and cultures.  We’re delighted that MK Council are supporting us with both initiatives.’

In related news, Leeds City Council has committed to a new project to better understand the landscape for people of colour who are currently working or looking to work in the Leeds digital and tech sector.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com