Labour pledges to ‘bring down barriers’ for women
A LABOUR government would “dismantle the structural barriers” women face in the workplace with new policies of flexible working and increased maternity leave, according to Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Dawn Butler.
Ms Butler said Labour’s proposed workplace reforms are “the common-sense approach to the modern way of life”.
She added that a Labour government would aim to implement all of the policies within the first 100 days of being in office.
Labour’s proposals include creating a new workers’ protection agency with powers to fine employers who fail to report or take action to deal with their “gender pay gap”; increasing statutory maternity pay from nine to 12 months; and a “presumption” in favour of flexible working from the first day an employee joins an organisation.
Ms Butler said that white, straight men have “a privilege code to the lift”, fast tracking them into managerial positions, and that a Labour government would “lay the grounds for an elevator” for women, to help them secure a level playing field in the world of work.
However, Conservative Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom warned the plans would lead to job losses.
She said yesterday: “Their reckless plans would cripple businesses across the country – leaving hard-working people to pay the price.”
Questioned on the criticism levelled at Labour’s plans from those including Ms Leadsom, Ms Butler said a Labour government would review, change, amend and improve policies if they proved too difficult for businesses.