06/08/2010
Top Women Executives To Be Boosted
Women are top get a boost at senior level with news of a business strategy to increase the number of women on the boards of listed companies in the UK.
Business Minister Edward Davey and Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities, have today announced that Lord Davies of Abersoch will develop the scheme. Research from Cranfield University has highlighted a lack of female directors in Britain's top businesses, with women making up only 12.2% of directors of the FTSE 100 companies in 2009.
The FTSE 250 companies have an even lower proportion of female directors at 7.3%, and nearly half of them do not have any women in the boardroom.
Lord Davies, who is the former chairman of Standard Chartered PLC and a former Government minister, has been asked to build on the work carried out by Professor Laura Tyson in her 2003 report.
This is to be done by identifying the obstacles to women becoming directors of listed company boards and by making proposals on what action Government and business should take to improve the position.
Lord Davies will present his recommendations by the end of the year.
Business Minister Edward Davey said: "Diversity on boards is a very important issue and something that the Coalition Government is very committed to.
"This is why the Government wants to lead by example on this issue, announcing today its aim to place women in at least half of all open board level roles by the end of the Parliament.
"We want to work with business leaders to remove the obstacles to UK plc benefiting from the skills and experience of women.
"This is not just about gender equality, but about improving performance and ultimately productivity too."
Also commenting, the Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: "Equality is as good for businesses as it is for women - diverse organisations reflect their customers better, understand them better and offer better products and services as a result.
"It is essential that we don't miss out on the talent and skills of half our population if Britain is going to compete in a fast-moving global economy.
"We need to do more to identify and tear down the barriers that prevent women rising to the top in business, and I look forward to working with Lord Davies to make this happen."
(BMcC/CD)
Business Minister Edward Davey and Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities, have today announced that Lord Davies of Abersoch will develop the scheme. Research from Cranfield University has highlighted a lack of female directors in Britain's top businesses, with women making up only 12.2% of directors of the FTSE 100 companies in 2009.
The FTSE 250 companies have an even lower proportion of female directors at 7.3%, and nearly half of them do not have any women in the boardroom.
Lord Davies, who is the former chairman of Standard Chartered PLC and a former Government minister, has been asked to build on the work carried out by Professor Laura Tyson in her 2003 report.
This is to be done by identifying the obstacles to women becoming directors of listed company boards and by making proposals on what action Government and business should take to improve the position.
Lord Davies will present his recommendations by the end of the year.
Business Minister Edward Davey said: "Diversity on boards is a very important issue and something that the Coalition Government is very committed to.
"This is why the Government wants to lead by example on this issue, announcing today its aim to place women in at least half of all open board level roles by the end of the Parliament.
"We want to work with business leaders to remove the obstacles to UK plc benefiting from the skills and experience of women.
"This is not just about gender equality, but about improving performance and ultimately productivity too."
Also commenting, the Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: "Equality is as good for businesses as it is for women - diverse organisations reflect their customers better, understand them better and offer better products and services as a result.
"It is essential that we don't miss out on the talent and skills of half our population if Britain is going to compete in a fast-moving global economy.
"We need to do more to identify and tear down the barriers that prevent women rising to the top in business, and I look forward to working with Lord Davies to make this happen."
(BMcC/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
13 March 2012
Rise Of Women In UK Boardrooms
The percentage of women on the boards of UK’s largest companies has risen to 15.6%. The figure stood at 12.5% last March. FTSE 100 companies have been told by the government to have a minimum of 25% female directors by 2015 or they could face possible measures.
Rise Of Women In UK Boardrooms
The percentage of women on the boards of UK’s largest companies has risen to 15.6%. The figure stood at 12.5% last March. FTSE 100 companies have been told by the government to have a minimum of 25% female directors by 2015 or they could face possible measures.
24 February 2011
Women Remain Minority In FTSE 100, Says Report
UK listed companies in the FTSE 100 should be aiming for a minimum of 25% female board member representation by 2015, Lord Davies of Abersoch said today when launching his independent review into Women on Boards.
Women Remain Minority In FTSE 100, Says Report
UK listed companies in the FTSE 100 should be aiming for a minimum of 25% female board member representation by 2015, Lord Davies of Abersoch said today when launching his independent review into Women on Boards.
26 October 2015
PM Pledges To Eradicate Gender Pay Gap
The Prime Minister has announced new measures aimed at eradicating gender pay inequality and remove barriers to women's success. It follows a commitment from Mr David Cameron in July, to "end the gender pay gap in a generation".
PM Pledges To Eradicate Gender Pay Gap
The Prime Minister has announced new measures aimed at eradicating gender pay inequality and remove barriers to women's success. It follows a commitment from Mr David Cameron in July, to "end the gender pay gap in a generation".
11 April 2011
Dental Practices To Trial New Contract
For the first time, from this summer, dentists will be paid for the quality of the treatment they give rather than the number of treatments provided, Health Minister Lord Howe announced today. Sixty two dental practices have been selected to trial a new dental contract that will help improve outcomes for patients.
Dental Practices To Trial New Contract
For the first time, from this summer, dentists will be paid for the quality of the treatment they give rather than the number of treatments provided, Health Minister Lord Howe announced today. Sixty two dental practices have been selected to trial a new dental contract that will help improve outcomes for patients.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.