William Eichler 05 April 2018

Political parties must report ‘gender gap’, campaigners say

Campaigners are calling on the Government to enact legislation which will force political parties to report their 'gender gap' when it comes to election candidates.

With the passing of the deadline for large companies to reveal their gender pay gap, the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) has called on politicians to 'look closer to home’ at gender inequality in politics.

Currently only 33% of local councillors and 32% of MPs in the UK are women.

ERS urged Whitehall to enact Section 106 of the Equality Act which would require parties to publish the demographic makeup of their election candidates.

The campaign group argues this is the first step towards tackling the gender gap in politics and to improving diversity.

‘Now that companies have revealed their gender pay gaps, it’s time UK parties tackled the inequality in their own backyards,’ said Jess Garland, director of policy and research at the Electoral Reform Society.

‘We’ve seen businesses play their part — now Government and political parties must play theirs in showing their diversity figures.

‘Much like the gender pay gap, political inequality is holding back progress in this country.

‘The Women and Equalities Committee has already called for Section 106 of the Equality Act (2010) to be enacted to tackle this problem.

‘The Government's refusal to act on this legislation runs against their commitment to open government.’

For more on the gender gap read our feature, 'The gender pay gap: local government's national perspective.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner