Government papers: Gender equality at every stage: a roadmap for change

This paper sets out the government’s vision and actions to tackle the persistent gendered inequalities women and men face across their lives, supporting them to contribute to the country’s economy and balance caring responsibilities with a rewarding career.

The paper highlights eight key challenges that need to be tackled from childhood to retirement, and government action to do so. Of those plans that affect employers, the government intends to:

• Continue to take action to close the gender pay gap, including: actively reviewing gender pay gap reporting metrics; and launching a national campaign from employers to increase understanding of how to help employees balance work and care, and support progression to advance gender equality in the workplace.
• Adjust the parental leave system so that it balances the gender division of parental leave.
• Consult on introducing dedicated rights for carers.
• Consider how women can increase their financial stability throughout their working life to prepare them for retirement.
• Review the Equal Pay Act 1970 to ensure it is still fit for purpose. The government also intends to launch a consultation to ensure workplace sexual harassment legislation is still suitable.

Alongside this paper, the government has also published the case for change, which examines in greater depth the factors that underlie gendered differences in work and pay, supporting the vision and action laid out in ‘Gender equality at every stage: a roadmap for change’.