Menu
26/10/2004
Breaking 'jobs for the boys' culture key to pay equality
Tackling occupational segregation – opening up male-dominated industries to women – is the key to closing the gender pay gap which currently stands at 19.5%, according to the trade department.
Trade secretary Patricia Hewitt has today announced plans designed to end the 'jobs for the boys' culture and give women better job opportunities in industries such as engineering and manufacturing.
Government research has shown that over 60% of all working women are concentrated in just 10 occupations which typically pay the least. Although women make up 49% of the workforce, they make up less than 10% and just 1% of employees in engineering and construction occupations respectively.
The new drive will focus on helping women who want to work in male dominated sectors like IT, construction, engineering and science. It calls for careers advisors, a rise in the number of female entrepreneurs, and funding for universities to help female science and engineering graduates find jobs in those industries.
Ms Hewitt said: "It's not government's job to dictate employment options to people, but we must give women more choice if we are to address the chronic pay gap.
"Career sexism limits opportunities for women of all ages and prevents them from achieving their full potential. It is simply wrong to assume someone cannot do a job on the grounds of their sex.
She added: "There are many women who want to get into science or manufacturing jobs, but are put off by the macho, male-dominated image and the misconception that a woman simply couldn't do the job.
"Getting rid of career sexism is vital to closing the pay gap and I have asked our Women and Work Commission (WWC) to come up with further proposals."
The DTI has said that it will put £80,000 of funding into an Equal Pay Experts Panel to focus on the gender pay gap issue.
(gmcg/sp)
Trade secretary Patricia Hewitt has today announced plans designed to end the 'jobs for the boys' culture and give women better job opportunities in industries such as engineering and manufacturing.
Government research has shown that over 60% of all working women are concentrated in just 10 occupations which typically pay the least. Although women make up 49% of the workforce, they make up less than 10% and just 1% of employees in engineering and construction occupations respectively.
The new drive will focus on helping women who want to work in male dominated sectors like IT, construction, engineering and science. It calls for careers advisors, a rise in the number of female entrepreneurs, and funding for universities to help female science and engineering graduates find jobs in those industries.
Ms Hewitt said: "It's not government's job to dictate employment options to people, but we must give women more choice if we are to address the chronic pay gap.
"Career sexism limits opportunities for women of all ages and prevents them from achieving their full potential. It is simply wrong to assume someone cannot do a job on the grounds of their sex.
She added: "There are many women who want to get into science or manufacturing jobs, but are put off by the macho, male-dominated image and the misconception that a woman simply couldn't do the job.
"Getting rid of career sexism is vital to closing the pay gap and I have asked our Women and Work Commission (WWC) to come up with further proposals."
The DTI has said that it will put £80,000 of funding into an Equal Pay Experts Panel to focus on the gender pay gap issue.
(gmcg/sp)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Apprenticeship pay survey reveals gender pay gap
A UK survey published today on apprenticeship pay will help young people to make informed choices about their future careers. The survey of 5,500 work-based apprentices - the first of its kind to analyse pay by sector - shows that those on Government approved schemes are taking home over £500 a month on average.
Apprenticeship pay survey reveals gender pay gap
A UK survey published today on apprenticeship pay will help young people to make informed choices about their future careers. The survey of 5,500 work-based apprentices - the first of its kind to analyse pay by sector - shows that those on Government approved schemes are taking home over £500 a month on average.
10 February 2009
Irish Engineering Jobs To Triple By 2020
Irish engineering jobs are to triple over the next ten years, according to a new report. The figures, which come after it was revealed that 6% of workers in the trade are currently unemployed, have been released in an Engineers Ireland survey.
Irish Engineering Jobs To Triple By 2020
Irish engineering jobs are to triple over the next ten years, according to a new report. The figures, which come after it was revealed that 6% of workers in the trade are currently unemployed, have been released in an Engineers Ireland survey.
20 March 2003
Rule changes may make women less employable
New rules on flexible working being introduced following the Employment Act 2002 could make women less employable according to the results of a poll carried out by Croner, the UK’s leading provider of business information.
Rule changes may make women less employable
New rules on flexible working being introduced following the Employment Act 2002 could make women less employable according to the results of a poll carried out by Croner, the UK’s leading provider of business information.
08 January 2018
Irish Govt Announce Symposium On Gender Pay Gap
The Irish government is to host a symposium on the gender pay gap, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, have announced.
Irish Govt Announce Symposium On Gender Pay Gap
The Irish government is to host a symposium on the gender pay gap, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, have announced.
09 August 2017
Gender Pay Gap Consultation Launched
A public consultation on tackling the gender pay gap has been launched Minister Stanton added: "This consultation offers an opportunity to give us your views on what can be done to narrow the gap. We will engage with employers and trade unions to get their perspective on tackling this issue.
Gender Pay Gap Consultation Launched
A public consultation on tackling the gender pay gap has been launched Minister Stanton added: "This consultation offers an opportunity to give us your views on what can be done to narrow the gap. We will engage with employers and trade unions to get their perspective on tackling this issue.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
