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Companies 'need to employ more women'

Oct 03 2008

More firms should employ women on their boards as these companies tend to be more profitable, according to a government minister.

Recent figures have found only 12 per cent of FTSE companies have females on their board, which is an increase of one per cent on last year and five per cent since 2005.

The results revealed at the current rate of progress it will be 2050 before the number of men and women in the positions are equal.

Barbara Follett, deputy minister for women, says progress has been made but it is not fast enough.

She adds: 'Businesses need to become more family friendly and flexible, so men and women can choose how to balance work and family life and enable women to reach their potential at work.'

Follett states the business case for having more women in high positions 'is clear' as females can 'drive up efficiency, innovation and profitability'.

The European Union is currently planning to extend the minimum length of maternity leave across the continent from 14 to 18 weeks, to make it easier for women to work and have a family.

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