Gender Research
Funded by ESF Objective 3, The MRS Consultancy Ltd is managing this new project that is currently taking place in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The project is looking to improve the role of women in the workplace. MRS is carrying out research into discrimination against women. The research is consulting directly with SMEs and their employees in order to address the perceived issues around the employment of women.
15 case studies are being produced to show the benefits to businesses of adopting flexible working practices, changed cultures and attitudes. 10 more case studies will focus on improved participation by women in higher level skills training leading to more roles and establishing women as part of the business fabric.
Reducing the level of disadvantage faced by women in the labour market has been identified as a strategic objective in the Regional Development Plan for the Region. Key factors include:
- wide gap in earnings between men and women.
- many more females work part-time.
- "glass-ceiling" effect for women in management, especially in larger organisations.
- women are less likely to be qualified to NVQ3 and NVQ4 than men.
- prevailing cultural values for the roles of men and women in some ethnic minority communities.