WBG Background Briefing – General Election 2024

Background

This briefing provides some key statistics and information on women’s economic inequality in the UK along with some suggested questions for parliamentary candidates. We may update this briefing periodically, if you have suggested additions please get in touch with us at press@wbg.org.uk

Unpaid work is the root cause of women’s economic inequality. Women carry out 50% more unpaid work than men on average. ¹ As a result, women are more likely to be economically inactive, in low-paid, part-time or precarious forms of work. They are more likely to be poor ² , have lower levels of savings and wealth than men ³ . Women are therefore less prepared to face economic shocks and thus are more likely to be dependent on social security and public services ^{4 5} . This is particularly true for Disabled women, single mothers and Black and Minority Ethnic women ⁶ .

Topics covered

• Cost of living crisis
• Feminist green transition
• Local government
• Social care
• Early Education and Childcare
• VAWG services
• Employment and Pay
• Social security
• Tax

READ THE BACKGROUND BRIEFING HERE