Chaired by Ruby McGregor Smith CBE, Chief Executive of FTSE250 strategic outsourcing company Mitie, the Women’s Business Council (‘WBC’) today publish their ‘One Year On’ report addressing the issue of gender equality in the workforce.
This follows the report published by the WBC in June 2013, which outlined a number of recommendations for business and Government to improve opportunities for women.
‘One Year On’ shows how women’s equality is in a better place today than ever before, but that a fundamental change in mindset is still required from business leaders and the Government if the last of the barriers are to be removed.
Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, Chair of the Women’s Business Council and Chief Executive of Mitie said:
“We at Mitie are committed to a culture of diversity. As a leading employer of women in the UK, we know that diversity is key to attracting the best talent and ensuring the long-term success of our business.
“The progress that has been made in the last year is very encouraging. There are more women in employment than ever before, more women running their businesses, the gender pay gap has closed to nearly zero for the women under 40 working full time, and there are more women sitting on boards than at any time.
“However, both the Government and business must do more to support gender equality in the workplace. It is essential to address cultural attitudes in the workplace, often deeply ingrained, if we are to see true parity. I’m confident that we can make even greater progress towards our fundamental goals: broadening career aspirations among girls, and maximising women’s contribution to future economic growth.”
In April 2014, Mitie was named as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to gender equality. The group places huge importance on attracting, developing and retaining the best female talent, and through its involvement in internal and external schemes, provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its people.
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For further information, contact:
Helen Greenwood
Investor and Public Relations Manager
T: +44 (0) 203 123 8731
E: helen.greenwood@mitie.com
Notes for editors
1. The Women’s Business Council is an independent group that was set up by Government in 2012 with the aim of ensuring real action by Government, business and others to maximise women’s contribution to economic growth: http://www.womensbusinesscouncil.dcms.gov.uk
2. Its members are all business people working in a range of sectors – including advertising, recruitment, enterprise, retail, legal, financial and pharmaceutical – biographies of all members are available at: http://www.womensbusinesscouncil.dcms.gov.uk/about-the-wbc
3. New members:
- Denis Woulfe - Deloitte
- Emer Timmons – BT
- Fiona Dawson – Mars
- Helen Lamprell – Vodafone
- Maxine Dolan – Tesco
- Lynne Atkin – Barclays
4. Link to ‘Six Months On’ and ‘One Year On’ reports:
http://www.womensbusinesscouncil.dcms.gov.uk
