- Conference
- 2025 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 18 October 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes the recent report from Health Equity North, Woman of the North which has found the following:
– Women in the North of England provide a disproportionately high amount of unpaid care compared to their counterparts in other regions, with 10.3% of women in the North engaged in such care, compared to 8.4% in London.
– The statistics reveal that 12% of women in the Northeast, 11.2% in the North West, and 10.7% in Yorkshire and the Humber are primary caregivers for family members, often resulting in significant barriers to employment.
– One in five women aged 55-59 in the North provide care for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health issues, or substance use, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support.
– The lack of accessible early years childcare options is a critical factor preventing these women from entering or re-entering the workforce, exacerbating financial instability and limiting opportunities for personal and professional development.
Conference believes that unpaid care work is vital for families and communities but must not be a barrier to economic participation for women. The existing carers leave legislation requires enhancement to better support women in balancing their caring responsibilities with their employment rights.
Conference believes that empowering women with knowledge about their rights, including flexible working arrangements and entitlements, is crucial in mitigating the challenges they face.
We call on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Work with Labour Link to advocate for stronger carers leave legislation that provides adequate support for those engaged in unpaid care, ensuring that their rights are upheld and accessible.
2)Work with LAOS to develop resources and training programs aimed at informing women about their rights to flexible working, early years childcare options, and the support available to them.
3)Work with the NEC and all relevant structures in the union to develop a campaign to work with employers to put in place carers passports in the workplace for members who require them.
4)Report back on progress at National Women’s Conference 2026.