Damning report says ministers risk ‘turning back the clock’ on gender equality as women are potentially pushed out of the labour market
The government has repeatedly ignored the specific needs of women when crafting its coronavirus support packages, a group of MPs have said, leading to women experiencing a disproportionate economic impact from the pandemic.
A report from the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) found both the job retention scheme and the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS) overlooked the existing inequalities women faced in the labour market and in their caring responsibilities, and that the government s priorities for recovery were “heavily gendered in nature”, with investment plans skewed toward male-dominated sectors such as construction.
| UPDATED: 12:04, Sat, Feb 6, 2021
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SEISS grants can be received into mid-2021 under current rules and the fourth set of grants will soon become available. While millions of self-employed workers have been supported by SEISS, Rishi Sunak has been criticised for creating stringent rules that have made millions ineligible for support, with ExcludedUK, Forgotten Ltd and Pregnant Then Screwed emerging to push the Chancellor for change.
Thus far, Mr Sunak has stood firm in the face of mounting SEISS criticism.
Recently, when the Chancellor was questioned on how he has the gall to ignore the excluded communities plights in Parliament, he issued the following response: With regard to our support for the self employed it s worth noting, not that you would know it from what the honourable lady said, that almost three million people have benefited from support to the tune of around £20billion. I do believe that s comprehensive, it s indeed certainly more comprehensive and generous support than almost any other country that I can find has provided.
Parents have been accused of abusing the key worker system and lying about their jobs in a bid to send their children to school.
Schools have been forced to check with employers that parents are key workers amid a surge in classroom numbers compared to the previous lockdown.
Current guidance allows any child whose parent is a key worker to attend school, even if their parent works from home.
But figures show attendance has rocketed, with up to 2,000 schools in England having more than 40 per cent of pupils attending since the start of lockdown - suggesting many are lying about their jobs.
Last modified on Tue 2 Feb 2021 05.46 EST
Pregnant women attending scans and appointments alone are repeatedly being told they cannot record or take photographs of their unborn child to show their partner, according to a survey.
The poll of more than 3,450 pregnant women by the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed found that more than half of respondents (52%) attended scans alone and were also told that they could not record or take photographs during the appointment.
NHS trusts have been warned that they could be acting unlawfully if they continue to ban partners of pregnant women accessing hospital appointments remotely. Women are repeatedly being told it is “illegal” to photograph or film their scan, despite this not being the case, said the charity Birthrights, which sought the legal advice.