WA24

Women 'could bridge the skills gap'

A reassessment of traditional gender segregation in training and work could help to resolve the UK skills crisis, according to a recent report from the Equal Opportunities Commission.

An investigation into workforces that are divided along gender lines has revealed a clear link between skills shortages in trades such as plumbing, construction and engineering, and the under-representation of women.

The EOC says that encouraging women to take jobs in these areas would offer a solution to the skills problem.

According to the investigation, a fifth of all job vacancies in 2003 remained unfilled because of a lack of skilled applicants.

Meanwhile, a separate survey commissioned by the EOC has revealed that more than 9 in 10 people do not want their children’s career choice to be constrained by gender stereotypes.

EOC chair Julie Mellor said, ‘This investigation has identified real barriers to choice for employers and for individuals. Unless we see dramatic action to address them, major skills shortages will continue to blight individual businesses and damage the wider economy’.

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