Women who take time out of work have careers ‘cut short’

COMPANIES are failing women when they want to return to work after having children or caring for relatives, the Government has said.

Victoria Atkins, the minister for women, said taking time out of work “cuts short” careers. Her comments came as the Government announced £500,000 in grants to five organisations which have pledged to support parents and carers returning to work.

She said: “For too long, taking time out of work to care for others has cut short careers and brilliant, talented women are unable to re-enter industries which will not support them to return.

“This is a huge loss not only to those individuals, but to our economy and businesses all over the country.

“We are investing in returners to work – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills and encouraging employers to change their outdated recruitment processes. By taking action on this issue we can grow the economy and achieve true equality in our workplaces.”

The Telegraph’s Women Mean Business campaign has shone a light on the issues facing female entrepreneurs, and has been calling for the Government to take action.

Women taking time out of work and spending fewer years of full-time work are among the factors which can prevent their careers from progressing and contributes towards the gender pay gap, the Government Equalities Office said.

The grant’s recipients include Changing Lives, a charity which supports families, and Women Returners.

The Government has pledged to give a further £1 million in similar grants later this year.