Women – Your Country Needs You!

Just as our country continued to function during the Second World War when women took over all the male-dominated jobs, it may be women again who will save us during one of Britain’s darkest hours – this time economically. New research has revealed that if Women are given the opportunity to be re-trained and skilled-up in male-dominated industries, this could potentially add £23 billion to our faltering economy.

Recent research released by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills has revealed that unleashing women’s potential in the workplace could add some £23 billion to the economy, helping to beat the recession. With this in mind, the Women in Work Sector Pathways initiative has announced a further £5 million pounds of funding, directed towards helping women break into male dominated employment sectors.

In 2009, two-thirds of women work in just 12 occupational areas – mainly cleaning, catering, clerical, retail and caring – whilst two-thirds of men work in 26 occupational areas. Men generally work at a higher level in technical, engineering, transport and communications occupations. In fact only a third of managers and senior officials are women.

This is also reflected in wage packets – 56% of women with children go out to work, but they earn 32% less than men and 41% less than men who work full-time. Women are not only paid less, they’re also hampered by a lack of prospects in the workplace. But this wasn’t always the case.

Here’s a video the commission has released: http://www.digitalnewsagency.com/story/view/2516-women–your-country-needs-you/all