Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Davies and Caroline Dinenage

Thursday 23rd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

11. What assessment she has made of recent trends in the number of women in work.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Caroline Dinenage)]

I am delighted that there are now more women in work than ever before, and that the female employment rate is nearly 70%, which is the highest on record. The female employment rate has increased by more since 2010 than it increased during the three previous Parliaments combined.

[Chris Davies]

Recent figures show that record-breaking numbers of women are in work under this Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is only by creating a stronger, fairer economy that works for everyone that we will continue to see records being broken?

[Caroline Dinenage]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to that. We want to ensure that all women can fulfil their potential. That is why the Government have extended the right to flexible working and introduced shared parental leave. From September, we will double the 30 hours childcare offer.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Davies and Caroline Dinenage

Thursday 2nd February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

T4. What are the Government doing to support men to take a more active role in looking after their children?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Caroline Dinenage)]

We know that when fathers take an active role in childcare, it is not only great for their relationships with their children; it is also important in eliminating the gender pay gap. That is why we have introduced shared parental leave and extended the right to request flexible working, helping both mums and dads to balance their work life with their family commitments.