Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey hosted a seminar in Parliament yesterday evening aimed at addressing the UK gender gap. The event, sponsored by the Bank of New York Mellon, featured a number of speakers who examined how the gender gap that still exists in the workplace can be closed and how a culture change can be achieved.
Lord Empey said:
“I was pleased to promote this seminar because there is little point in talking about increasing economic productivity when a large portion of the workforce is unable to fully participate.
“What we want to see is those who have learned skills, including many professionals, being able to return to the workforce after family commitments. Nationally we are failing to achieve this and women returners are finding it difficult to get back into suitable positions.
“I hope that the seminar can start a conversation that will lead to a sea-change for employers across the United Kingdom. It is clear that a culture change is required and from listening to the speakers it is clear that there are innovative ways to close the gap if the will is there to really achieve positive change.”