Thread by @Womans_Place_UK

Fifty years ago today the #EqualPayAct came into force but the gap still exists and is starting to grow again. The economic status of women is poor. We need real action to address discrimination/oppression women face. #EqualPay50 Our manifesto of demands womansplaceuk.org/wpuk-manifesto…

Here follow some specific demands from our manifesto to address the economic disparity women face:
1. Take action to achieve equal pay, such as compulsory equal pay audits, the collection of sex disaggregated data and better enforcement of the Equality Act 2010.

2. Introduce, as a right, a Citizens’ Pension based on the Dutch tax-funded model, payable at state pension age to each long-term resident and set at the Minimum Income Standard.

3. Reinstate universal child benefit for all children.

4. Value the caring work done by women. Invest in social infrastructure, including access to free universal childcare and adult social care.

5. Improve access to the labour market for women and an end to occupational segregation.

6. Prohibit redundancy in pregnancy and maternity; increased rates of Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance, the right to breastfeed at work, and reinstatement of Sure Start grants.

7. Introduce a day one right to flexible working.

8. Increase levels of asylum support and protection.

9. (1/2)
Overhaul of the Universal Credit system to:
End the family cap that leaves children without welfare support;
Scrap the rape clause that forces mothers to disclose rape or coercive control;
Reduce the wait for payments;

9. (2/2)
Overhaul of the Universal Credit system to:
Allow for separate payments by default;
Improve work incentives for second earners;
Restore the disregard for Maternity Allowance.

10. Restore the link between Local Housing Allowance and average rents.

You can read our manifesto in full here womansplaceuk.org/wpuk-manifesto…