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<p>The Women’s Business Council was established in 2012 to advise the Government on
how to support women and maximise their contribution to economic growth. The Ministers
for Women and Equalities regularly meet with the Council and its Chair to set strategic
direction and support the development of business to business toolkits.</p><p>Most
recently, we have supported Council members such as Barclays in launching their ‘Come
Back’ toolkit for businesses to encourage and support women to return to the workplace
after a career break. We have also worked with the Council member from Deloitte in
producing the ‘Trailblazers’ transparency report, to share business best practice
on tackling the gender pay gap. We have also engaged with Deloitte in their April
2016 report highlighting best practice to support and encourage female entrepreneurs.</p><p>The
Government has taken into account the Women’s Business Council’s reports and recommendations
when developing policy options and programmes. In particular their evidence papers
and analysis has informed our policies on closing the gender pay gap, increasing the
numbers of women into senior positions and encouraging women and girls to take up
STEM qualifications. This builds upon work already done by the Government in line
with the Council’s recommendations such as the right to request flexible working and
shared parental leave and supporting the National Careers Service in launching the
‘Your Daughter’s Future’ toolkit to raise parental awareness regarding career opportunities
for girls and women.</p>
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