An MSP is backing a scheme to promote gender equality in North and South Lanarkshire councils. The authorities are among seven taking part in a pilot run by Equally Safe at Work. It is an employer accreditation programme pilot that enables local government to advance gender equality and support employees who have experienced gender-based violence.
Equally Safe at Work is being piloted in Aberdeen City Council, Highland Council, Midlothian Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Perth and Kinross Council, Shetland Council, South Lanarkshire Council. It will support councils to take steps to address the causes of their gender pay gap, and support employees who have experienced violence against women both in and outside of the workplace. Councils will receive support to undertake training, collect and analyse data, develop initiatives and review and update policies, practices and resources.
Graham Simpson said “I back this scheme. This pilot programme comes at a time when addressing violence against women has become a pressing issue for our society and employers. Violence against women is completely unacceptable - and it affects all areas of women’s lives and the workplace is no exception. Employers have a key role to play. Evidence shows that women who’ve experienced gender-based violence often don’t feel confident to report their experiences.
“Greater gender diversity is associated with better collective decision making, a more engaged workforce and higher levels of productivity. Indeed, research shows that businesses in the top quartile for levels of gender diversity are 15% more likely to outperform their rivals
“I hope this initiative helps to create a safe and supportive working environment for all employees to thrive.”
