Concerns over job losses across all sectors of the Scottish economy are highlighted today (Monday 17th November) at the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women's Conference in Perth. With women making up 60% of the finance sector workforce, predominantly in the lower paid jobs, speakers will be calling for Scottish and Westminster government action to ensure employment security for employees in the finance sector. Recent announcements on BT and other call-centre job losses will also impact heavily on women's employment. Priority must also be given to tackling inequality rather than allowing the recession to promote divisions in the workforce. Speaking prior to the conference Cheryl Gedling, PCS, Chair of the STUC Women's Committee said "Women workers earn 85p per hour for every £1 a man earns and face job insecurity. The STUC believes that priority must be given to addressing equal pay, and tackling low pay in the public sector, along with investing in public services. We welcome the joint communiqué recently agreed between the First Minister and the STUC, committing to tackling the pay gap and continuing inequality, particularly in changing economic circumstances." Agnes Tolmie, UNITE, and a member of the STUC General Council, speaking to an emergency motion from UNITE at conference will say “Government must take decisive action to protect and value the workforce in the financial sector. It is time to end a system that rewards risk-taking and short termism. Employers too have to take responsibility - we are calling for an end to the practice of offshoring jobs, avoiding taxes, and removing work from the Scottish economy" ENDS
For further information contact Ann Henderson Assistant Secretary STUC 0141 337 8100