The number of working women has now reached 15.7 million – a rise of 2 million since 2010 with more women progressing into senior, higher-skilled jobs.

• New ONS data shows number of working women is now 2 million more than in 2010
• Women in high-skilled jobs is up 38.5% since 2010, with proportion of women progressing into top management roles growing by almost 25% over last 12 years
• The results come as the UK sees another unemployment rate of 3.8% - below pre-pandemic levels

The figures show the portion of women becoming managers, directors and senior officials has climbed almost 25% since 2010, rising by nearly a quarter of a million. The number of  Women working in professional occupations is also up 40% since 2010 and almost 40% more have moved into associate professional and technical jobs like science, technology, engineering and maths.

Young women are currently one of the fastest growing working group, with 7.7% more women aged 16-24 moving into employment this year. 

New Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data also shows the UK has the second highest female and youth employment rates among the G7.

To help working mothers, the government recently announced a new package of measures to increase childcare support for parents amid rising costs. This included a call for more parents to take up support through Universal Credit, which allows families to reclaim up to 85% of their childcare costs, worth up to £1,108 per month. To find out more about the package of measures to increase childcare support for parents, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drive-to-reduce-the-cost-of-childcare-for-parents

The government believes that work is the best route out of poverty, and people can be £6,000 better off in work that out of work on benefits. DWP work coaches are supporting jobseekers, at any age or stage, get into secure and long-term employment, because as well as financial benefits a job also brings social and wellbeing benefits.

DWP is also investing a further £22 million in its 50PLUS Champions jobcentre support package. The recent announcement means more over 50s jobseekers will receive more one-to-one employment support, so they can continue to reap the benefits of their invaluable work experience and boost earnings ahead of retirement. Further information can on the 50PLUS Champions can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-of-support-to-help-over-50s-jobseekers-back-into-work

Locally, there were 1,930 actual claimants in Norwich North constituency, which was 3.5% of the population aged 16-64, compared to a national rate of 3.7%. These figures for the claimant count show the number of people who were claiming unemployment related benefits. This includes those who were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or were claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work. This shows that people in Norwich are more likely to be in employment that the national average across the whole country.

These statistics confirm that the government's Plan For Jobs is bringing economic security to workers and more trade for businesses in Norwich.

The jobs figures out today come as the DWP’s Way to Work jobs drive reached its target of helping half a million people on benefits find work in five months and as the department sets out to build on its in-work progression agenda – helping working people receiving Universal Credit to progress in their jobs and earn more money for their families.

As the local MP, ensuring that we have more good jobs in Norwich is one of my priorities. To find out what I am doing to ensure this, please visit: https://www.chloesmith.org.uk/myplan/jobs  

I hope you find this information helpful.  The government is committed to jobs, and so am I for us in Norwich.  If I can help constituents with any matter, please do email me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or ring my constituency office on 01603 414756.