Review on women in Scottish economy announced

23 Jul 2014 04:15 PM

Professor Lesley Sawers to undertake review for the Scottish Business Board 

Professor Lesley Sawers, Vice Principal & Pro Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University at the request of the Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael will undertake a review into the role of women in the Scottish economy it was announced yesterday.

The review will be the main focus in the coming months for the Scottish Business Board.

Professor Lesley Sawers said:

With the increased focus on gender and equalities across all sectors of the economy, I welcome this opportunity to explore ways in which Scottish women can best contribute to our economy.

Going forward we hope to identify those areas where, by working collaboratively with the UK Government, we can effect lasting change and impact on economic growth through increased business support and enhanced career opportunities for women in Scotland.

The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said:

I am very pleased that Professor Sawers will undertake this review on women in the Scottish Economy. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and most importantly a drive and desire to make a lasting impact for the benefit of Scottish women looking to make their own mark in the world of business, entrepreneurship and Scottish society as a whole.

The review underlines the purpose of the Scottish Business Board and I look forward to hearing more over the weeks and months ahead.

The announcement was made on the day that the Business Minister Jo Swinson hosted a roundtable with Professor Sawers. The roundtable at Glasgow Caledonian University brought together women from across Scottish business and civic society to discuss the role of women and their contribution to the Scottish economy. It is one of a number of business events taking place in Glasgow during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Business Minister Jo Swinson said:

The UK Government wants more women to get ahead as the economy grows. By bringing our parental leave system into the 21st Century with mothers and fathers able to share their leave and pay, extending the right to request flexible working to all employees, and making real progress in our fight for equal pay, we are delivering fairness for women in Scotland. This review will support our commitment to create a truly level playing field.

Established in 2011 the Scottish Business Board consists of members drawn from a wide range of Scottish sectors, including energy, oil and gas, defence, professional services, life sciences and tourism. It represents Scotland’s interests in discussions, ideas and solutions on economic and trade issues at the UK level.

The review is expected to report back next Spring