Commenting on the Women and Equalities Committee report, Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact, BCC Co-Executive Director Claire Walker said:

“Employers value the skills women bring to the workplace and the evidence shows that businesses with a diverse and inclusive workforce perform better.

“As the pandemic continues to challenge businesses, families and individuals, more must be done to ensure women are able to balance caring and work commitments, retain their jobs, progress in their careers and contribute to our economic recovery. Economic growth will depend on access to high quality, affordable childcare.

“While many employers are working with parents and carers to find solutions to the challenges they are facing, it is a clear a national focus is needed. We look forward to working with the government and business communities to ensure that the inequalities highlighted in this report are addressed.”