In Parliament this week I highlighted the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women in Wales.

Speaking in Women & Equalities questions yesterday, I said “May I draw the Minister’s attention to research by the Welsh gender equality charity Chwarae Teg that shows that women are twice as likely to be key workers in Wales, and that the effects of sector shut- downs, business closures and unemployment are falling disproportionately on women, who are more likely to lose their job in the pandemic? Will the Minister study the report and tell the House what practical steps the Government are taking to help them?”

In response, DWP Minister Will Quince said “The female employment rate is at 72% and the female unemployment rate is at 4.7%. This is an issue we take incredibly seriously, not least the Minister for Employment, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Mims Davies), who leads on this important work. I will, of course, study the report carefully, as will the Minister for Employment.”

You can read Chwarae Teg’s 2021 State of the Nation report here: https://chwaraeteg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/State-of-the-Nation-2021.pdf