Budget 2021: Why it is more important for women than ever before

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Women are more likely to be doing childcare or homeschooling during the pandemic than men We also don’t need to look very far for examples of how women have carried out more childcare duties in the past year and how this has increased gender inequality. Even according to the government’s own research, more women than men have been furloughed Employers are expected to contribute 10 per cent to wages, increasing to 20 per cent in August and September. No support for working parents Despite the well-reported struggle women have faced in the past year juggling childcare, homeschooling and working, there was no mention of any measures to do with childcare or to help working mothers. Recommended How to spot the signs of financial and economic abuse “The sector therefore needs continued support in order to be sustainable and to continue delivering the high-quality service parents need, and that the economy relies on.” Health and social care measures missing Despite the Budget documents referring to analysis carried out by the Department of Health and Social Care – which shows that the fall in economic activity and increase in unemployment from the pandemic, including the restrictions put in place to contain it, could have substantial mortality and morbidity impacts – there was no mention of new social care, health, or wellbeing measures.