Earlier this year, young women met with Shadow Secretary of Work and Pensions, Jonathan Ashworth and told him what an equal world of work looks like for them. Today, he announced his vision for reforming DWP services.
Commenting on Labour’s vision for the Department of Work and Pensions, Claire Reindorp, Chief Executive at Young Women’s Trust, said:
“In a meeting earlier this year young women met with Jonathan Ashworth to tell him what an equal world of work looks like for them. This includes a system that helps young women to fulfil their ambitions, helps them to thrive, and doesn’t force them into ‘dead-end’ work.
“He recognised that young women have so much potential but are being held back by a system that doesn’t offer the right support. As he announces his vision, young women will be expecting to see this recognition turn into action with measures in place to support people into meaningful work, that is paid fairly and enables them to reach their full potential.
“Whilst a focus on getting people into fulfilling work is vital, the level of benefits also needs to be enough to meet the essentials of life, as the cost of living crisis continues to have a disproportionate effect on young women.
“Too often young women get stuck in roles with little progression and low pay, earning £5000 on average each year less than young men. Jonathan has his own experience of seeing what difference it can make when women are paid fairly and we hope that he could offer even more young women the opportunity to build the life they want too.”
Notes to editors
For more information or interviews please contact:
Hayley Richardson-Roberts, Communication Lead:
07495 981142 / Hayley.richardson-roberts@youngwomenstrust.org
About Young Women’s Trust:
Young Women’s Trust campaign for an equal world of work with and for anyone who faces misogyny and sexism, including trans women and non-binary people.
We support young women aged 18 to 30, who are living on low or no pay and want to build a better future. We campaign for young women’s equality in the workplace, explore the issues that young women face such as the income gap and discrimination and, through our research, examine the challenges young women face. Our work is supported by corporate partners and charitable grants as well as fundraising activities and donations. Young women are at the centre of the charity’s work: leading, designing and participating.
