Labour ‘will dismantle barriers that face women in work’

A LABOUR government would “dismantle the structural barriers” women face in the workplace with new policies of flexible working and increased maternity leave, shadow women and equalities secretary Dawn Butler has said.

Ms Butler said that 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.

Speaking to a group of businesswomen at the Business and Technology Centre in Stevenage, Ms Butler said: “I have announced today some policies around flexible working in the workplace to ensure flexible working is available from day one.

“My whole thing is flipping the script from employees always having to push an agenda to the employer, making it their responsibility.”

Ms Butler added: “Basically, my whole thing is just about respecting women, our bodies, what we go through, and making workplaces more acceptable and friendly so everybody can contribute to the economy.

“All these policies are saying women matter.”

Under Labour’s plans, larger employers would also be required to put in place policies to support women going through the menopause, and employers would also become liable for any harassment experienced by staff by “third parties” such as customers or clients.

The role of trade union equality representatives would be enshrined in law.

Ms Butler, who on Thursday announced her intention to run as Labour’s deputy leader following Tom Watson’s departure, spoke to members of an all-female recruitment company which has successfully implemented flexible working.

However, Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom warned the plans would lead to job losses.