Topic
WBG analysis and policies on unpaid and paid work and the labour market
At the Women’s Budget Group we recognise that the economy and wider society is dependent on unpaid labour. Because paid and unpaid work are inextricably linked, there cannot be a strong labour market without strong social infrastructure – from accessible and affordable early education and childcare, to social care, local services and a strong social security system.
Currently, men are more likely to be in paid work than women. Women, however, are more likely to be working part-time, and self-employed women are more likely than men to be in insecure work and/or on low earnings. There are substantial differences between different groups of women, with Black women the group most likely to be working on a zero-hours contract.
At the root of women’s disadvantage in the labour market is inequality in unpaid work. A crucial point for the development of the gender pay gap is having children. Implementing equal parental and caring leave policies is a crucial step to addressing this, alongside tackling occupational segregation, where women are concentrated in the low-paying ‘5 Cs’– cleaning, catering, caring, cashiering (retail) and clerical work.
For a gender equal economy, we need to transform the worlds of paid and unpaid work, to provide not just more jobs, but better jobs. These jobs would enable women and men to share paid and unpaid work equally. They would provide a secure and living income; be environmentally sustainable; and be free from gender stereotypes and discrimination.
This briefing looks at the effects of domestic trade policies and international trade agreements, including on labour rights and public services.
This briefing covers the problems with the current system, principles for a reformed system and WBG recommendations.
A joint paper with The Centre for Local Economic Strategies
Briefing I: Introduction and Headline Measures
A pre-budget briefing on 'Women and Employment' from the UK Women’s Budget Group – Spring 2023.
This is the second series of briefings on the gendered dimension of the cost-of-living crisis.
Feminist Green New Deal Policy Paper
A pre-budget briefing on 'Women and Employment' from the UK Women’s Budget Group – Spring 2022
Joint research with CLES has revealed that nearly £100bn GVA is lost to the economy in England, Scotland and Wales annually.
Latest ONS figures reveal that over a quarter of working-age women are economically inactive, compared to less than a fifth of men.
WBG responds to the Pensions and Policy's latest findings on the gender pension gap.
We are seriously concerned about the impact that the hastily announced five-point plan for immigration will have on millions of families.
Dr Naomi Elster shares her reflections from our Spring Conference and explores the link between closing the gender pay gap and the gender pensions gap
This blog sits alongside our upcoming policy paper: Trade and Health, which you will be able to read on the WBG site.
This blog examines the gendered dynamics & challenges of platform work in the digital economy, focusing on the invisibility of labor & gender biases.
The WBG is delighted to host this webinar exploring new research into the impact of parenting leave policies & the burden of childcare responsibility.
How can investment in care jobs & our social security system help to protect women’s incomes, & tackle climate change & gender inequality?
Briefing Series Training Programme: To complement our national briefing on the topic, we are pleased to demystify the data on the gender pay gap.
The UK Women’s Budget Group are delighted to host this discussion on Gender Equalities at Work – Learning Lessons from the Past for the Present.
The WBG has signed a letter by the Fatherhood Institute calling on Kemi Badenoch to improve the UK’s statutory paternity and parental leave system.
WBG expresses concerns over the implications of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill for employment rights and employment case law.
