Amber Rudd announces £1.5 million fund to help tackle the gender pay gap

Minister for Women and Equalities Amber Rudd has announced a £1.5 million fund to support people back into work after time out caring.

The fund, which will launch on Monday 5 March, will offer grants to projects which help people to return to work in the private sector. These projects could help returners update their skills, provide other training, or support businesses to increase employment opportunities for returners. The fund will prioritise projects that focus on small and medium enterprises, employers outside London, and projects that support returners at all skill levels. This is part of the government’s wider strategy to develop the evidence base on what may help to close the gender pay gap.

Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, Amber Rudd, said:

“It is truly striking that nearly 90 per cent of people out of paid work because they are caring for the home or family are women.”

“Too often people struggle to get back into paid work after taking time out to care for others. That is a huge loss not only to those individuals, but to our economy and to businesses all over the country.”

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce this government will be launching a £1.5 million fund to support people, particularly women, back into work after time out looking after children and other relatives.”

For more information on the fund visit – https://returnersfund.flexigrant.com