Women will 'bear the brunt' of cuts, say peers

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Parliamentary researcher Jenny Stevens reports on the House of Lords debate on women in society.

Women will bear the brunt of the government's austerity measures, said peers in a House of Lords debate on women in society yesterday.

Equality and human rights commissioner, Baroness Greengross, quoted an independent House of Commons Library report, which found that of the £8bn to be raised by changes in taxes and benefits, £5.8m would be paid by women and £2.2m would be paid by men.

Women from black and ethnic minority groups will be hit particularly hardest, she added, as 40 per cent live in poor households.

Shadow Lords leader Baroness Royall of Blaisdon warned that the coalition's cuts have been imposed too early and too savagely, without a proper analysis of their impact on women.

The government's approach to deficit reduction will push the economy back towards recession, she argued. "We will all be losers if that happens, but women will bear the brunt."

The government spokesperson on women and equalities, Baroness Verma initiated the debate. She said that the coalition are committed to women's rights.

"We want to support women in all their roles, in whatever paths they choose or take, whether it is help for vulnerable women, supporting working women, ensuring choice for families or raising the aspirations of women, here in the UK or abroad."

She added that the 'Big Society' would help women's organisations who make a practical difference to women who need it most.

Peers across the House welcomed the government's commitment to introduce an extension to all employees to the right to request flexible working.

Labour Peer and economist Lord Desai said that flexible working is essential to advancing women's position in the workplace.

He said: "One of the ways in which we can advance the cause of women is to think of many ways in which women can be employed from whichever location they choose to work in and whatever job they want to do, because there are a lot of jobs to be done-there is no shortage.

"The problem is that facilities do not exist for women to pursue the jobs they want to do."

In her maiden speech, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Parminter argued that the government should look into flexible working for MPs, including job shares.

Her Liberal Democrat colleague Baroness Scott of Needham Market agreed, when my noble friend Lady Parminter mentioned job-sharing MPs. Well, why not? We have job-sharing chief executives, job-sharing city lawyers, job-sharing head teachers and even job-sharing high commissioners. Why could we not job-share as MPs?"