Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Paragraph: 65
The employment gap between White and BAME workers remains too high, despite the Government’s intent...
Conclusion
The employment gap between White and BAME workers remains too high, despite the Government’s intent to reduce it. There is a risk that the gap will widen if, as some predict, automation affects some ethnic groups more significantly than others. Automation may also have a differential impact on men and women. Women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, which are likely to see rising demand for workers. Women are also more likely to work part-time, with part-time work more common in low paid jobs, which are more likely to be lost to automation. These are complex issues to which there are no straightforward solutions. The impact of changes on different demographic groups will be uneven, and when formulating policy in response to change, the Government will need to draw upon expertise from a diverse range of sources.
Paragraph Reference:
65
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As part of the evaluation of the Shared Parental Leave and Pay scheme, BEIS commissioned large scale, representative surveys of employers and parents. The surveys sought views on a broad range of parental leave and pay entitlements, including Paternity Leave and Pay. BEIS are currently analysing, and quality assuring, the data that was collected. Alongside this, BEIS is assessing responses to a 2019 consultation on high-level options for reforming parental leave and pay. Together with the survey data that has been collected, information gathered through the consultation will provide a fuller picture of how well the current arrangements for parental leave and pay are working for parents and their employers. This information will inform government policy on parental leave and pay going forward.