There is an interesting article in today's Independent about women in the workplace, particularly concentrating on an Equal Opportunities Commission report which was released today. The report's findings indicate that women do not know their rights in the workplace while they are pregnant. Of the 2,000 interviewed, 1 in 4 complained of being treated unfairly when they returned to work.
This is a clear indication of the need for employers and government alike to enforce clear strategies which do not discriminate against pregnant women in the workplace, and introduce policies which assist working mothers. The report acknowledges that many women could be dissuaded from re-entering the world of work if conditions and treatment do not change, and if employers do not address their 'knowledge gap' with regards equal opportunity in the workplace. Of course company profit and sustainability is important, but workers rights must be prioritised.
Another element of this argument is the enhancement of childcare provision. Many companies do not invest in childcare provision for their staff, therefore parents are left to fund increasingly expensive private childcare for their children. I am aware of a number of women who have returned to work after maternity leave, only to be stigmatised by bosses, and alienated by other workers for seeking to create a work/ life balance.
This is one of the many reasons why Plaid are pledging to prioritise childcare issues in the run up to the Assembly election. We are proposing to double the Assembly's childcare budget in a bid to create universal affordable childcare. The provision as it stands is patchy, and often those who seek childcare facilities cannot afford it. I would like to see more investment by companies in childcare provision, and the development of the Equal Opportunities Gender budgeting agenda.This would be a first step in encouraging a work, life balance and in creating genuine equal opportunity in the workplace.
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