1.09 million women are out of the workforce

Today’s figures* show that 1.09 million women are now out of a job, a seven per cent increase on the same period last year.
Commenting on news that the number of women unemployed has reached 1.09 million, Anna Bird, Acting Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, said:

"The government’s approach to reducing the deficit is pushing women out of the workplace, and threatening their financial independence. Recent research found that more than two thirds of jobs lost in local government between the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011 belonged to women."

"At the same time,  women are bearing the brunt of cuts to benefits – 11 billion of the 18 billion pounds cut through changes to tax and benefits each year is coming from women’s pockets. Decades of steady, albeit slow, progress on equality for women is being dismantled, as cuts to women’s jobs and the benefits and services they rely on turn back time on women’s equality."

"This Saturday, more than a thousand women are expected to take part in a 'Day of Action' called by Fawcett.

Veronica Akinyemi, Managing Director of Smart Opportunities and Smart Opportunities for Women says her organisation is pioneering SmartRelaunch events which have been specifically designed to meet the needs of skilled and experienced professionals returning from career break, and puts them in direct contact with local businesses and recruiters in Kent and its surrounding areas, giving them the best advice on their job-seeking and the opportunity to pitch their talents within a focused environment. Participants will also get the opportunity to learn from and network with successful relaunchers and business advisors.

The first SmartRelaunch event is targeted at the North Kent & Medway area, and will take place on the 26th of January at the Old Town Hall in Gravesend from 6pm - 9pm.

For more details, email info@smartopportunities.co.uk