Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, has pledged to be a strong advocate for supporting women in businesses and has used the first Women and Equalities questions in the House of Commons as his opportunity to raise this issue with Government ministers.
Nigel asked,
“What steps she is taking to increase support for women in business?”
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, Equalities and Family Justice, Caroline Dineage MP, replied,
“With more women in work than ever before it is vital that they are able to fulfil their potential in business. That is why we are making it easier to balance work and family life to promote flexible working and shared parental leave. From this autumn almost two million families should benefit from a new tax free childcare scheme worth up to £2,000 per child.”
In his follow up question to the minister Nigel said,
“Will my honourable friend join me in applauding the efforts made by traditionally male dominated business organizations such as the Confederation of British Industry and Institute of Directors in their efforts to champion gender equality in the workplace and recruit more female members themselves?”
In response the minister said,
“We welcome the work of the Institute of Directors and others to increase female membership. I would also like to congratulate Lady Barbara Judge who has recently been appointed the Institute’s first female Chair. It is vital that women are able to take their place in organisations that have traditionally been very male dominated. ”
After leaving the Chamber Nigel said,
“I recently met with the Institute of Directors (IoD) and was really impressed with the work that is being done to encourage more women to join their organisation and I wanted to make ministers aware of their plans.
“In Worcestershire there are many successful businesses run by women and I encourage them to take advantage of the particularly receptive attitude of the leading industry bodies like the IoD and CBI, who are making really big efforts to support more women in business.
“Supporting women in business is something I will continue to champion throughout my time in Parliament.”