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'From the playground to the Boardroom' - breaking down barriers to women's achievement

Published: Monday, 11 September 2006

A major action plan to tackle barriers to women's achievement in the workplace and transform the culture in Britain 'from the playground to the boardroom' was launched today by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.

The Government's action plan includes a raft of practical new measures addressing almost forty recommendations made by the Women and Work Commission in their 'Shaping a Fairer Future' report. It will improve opportunities for women to get on at work and encourage a culture change within those companies and organisations still failing to see the huge economic potential of their female workforce.

New measures of the action plan

A major new 'Exemplar Employer Initiative' - the Government will work with employers to develop programmes such as helping women returning from work access quality part-time work, flexible working for women and setting up job share registers. More than 80 organisations have already signed up for the scheme, ranging from high street names to small business to public sector organisations
the roll-out of new 'Equality Reps' across England. The scheme will step up awareness among workers of flexible working rights and discrimination issues by working alongside statutory union representatives
a new 'Equality Check' that will help companies spot any emerging problems with equal treatment of staff such as determining the level of gender pay gap
a national education standard in schools, to step up cultural change by making girls aware of non-traditional career opportunities. This will come into force from April 2007 to ensure all young people receive careers information, advice and guidance which is free from gender stereotyping
a new half a million pound fund to support companies and organisations in increasing the number of senior and quality roles available part time.