Women trade unionists from across Scotland will today (Tuesday 14 November) hear from the Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm MSP, as he gives a Scottish Executive response to the UK-wide Women and Work Commission recommendations.
The Prime Minister established the Women and Work Commission in September 2004, to close the pay and opportunities gap. The Women and Work Commission reported in February 2006, and the UK Government response was provided by UK Local Government and Communities Minister Ruth Kelly MP.
Speaking before hearing Malcolm Chisholm speak at the STUC Women’s Conference, the STUC Women’s Committee Chairperson Sandra Kennie said:
“The STUC is pleased that Malcolm Chisholm is to update trade union women today on the Scottish Executive’s response to the recommendations of the Women and Work Commission. However, the STUC was clear that the Women and Work Commission itself was a missed opportunity, in its failure to recommend mandatory equal pay audits”.
Mrs Kennie continued:
“It will be good to hear today what the Minister has to say about the recommendations on delivering education and training to reduce stereotypical choices and improving childcare options for women”.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak directly with the STUC Women’s Committee to outline to them the Executive’s interim response to the Women and Work Commission’s report. Some of the Commission’s recommendations required a specific Scottish response and our interim report reflects on the action taken - and to be developed further - to address barriers in employment still faced by women. I look forward to presenting the report and continuing to work with others such as the STUC Women’s Committee to improve the lives of women in Scotland.”
ENDS