Business

Workplace inequality affects economy

Published

7 years ago

July 31, 2018

Workplace equality: Could grow economy by 10%

INFLEXIBLE workplace structures, gendered assumptions about childcare, and wide-scale discrimination mean mothers are more likely to be trapped in part-time, low-paid work with fewer opportunities for career progression.

Those are the findings of a National Assembly committee which has been looking at the issue.

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee believe such factors are key causes of gender inequality and represent a loss to the economy.
The UK Government’s Women’s Business Council estimates that equalising the employment rates of women and men could grow the UK economy by more than 10% by 2030.

The employment rate for women with dependent children in Wales is 75%, compared to 91% for men with dependent children.

The gender pay gap between men and women in Wales is 15% for all employees (full and part time).

A 2016 survey by the Equality and Human Rights Commission revealed that Welsh employers lag behind England and Scotland in offering flexible working.

The same survey found that 87% of employers in Wales feel it is in the best interests of organisations to support pregnant women and those on maternity leave. But it also found that 71% of mothers reported negative or discriminatory experiences as a result of having children.

Employment law isn’t devolved to Wales but the Committee focused on the levers at the Welsh Government’s disposal including employment of public sector workers and businesses and organisations in receipt of public funding,

“During the course of our inquiry we heard some shocking individual experiences: women who lost their jobs during maternity leave, careers derailed because of the lack of flexible work, and fathers prevented from taking on caring responsibilities because of cultural attitudes,” said John Griffiths AM, Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee.

“These stories have directly influenced our conclusions and recommendations.

“Preventing a large proportion of the population from contributing their skills and experience to the workforce is not fair and does not make economic sense.

“In light of technological, social and economic changes, now is the time to modernise workplaces so that they are fit for the future for everyone, not just parents.

“We believe the Welsh Government can set a standard in promoting flexible working, ensuring organisations in receipt of public funding are flexible by default and by reassessing its new childcare offer.”

The Committee makes 34 recommendations in its report, including:

That the Welsh Government should advertise public sector jobs (including teaching posts) as ‘flexible by default’, and lead the way by allowing senior roles like Ministers and councillors to be job-shared;
Strengthening the obligations on organisations receiving public funding to provide flexible working and report on the retention rates of staff returning from maternity leave;
The Committee heard that the Welsh Government’s new Childcare Offer was unlikely to achieve its main aim of increasing maternal employment in the most effective way. It recommended the Government reconsider the target age group and the income threshold; and,
the Welsh Government improve advice services in Wales, and that information about rights and obligation at work should be provided to women at an early stage of pregnancy.

The report will now be considered by the Welsh Government.

Business

Greenlink energy link goes live, connecting Pembrokeshire to Ireland

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Interconnector brings power boost and green energy potential to Wales and Ireland

A MAJOR new electricity interconnector linking Pembrokeshire and Ireland has gone live, with power now flowing between the two countries for the first time via the Greenlink project.

The 504-megawatt (MW) Greenlink Interconnector connects National Grid’s 400kV substation at Pembroke with EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford. The link spans 200km, including 160km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable laid beneath the Irish Sea.

The interconnector is expected to improve energy security, increase grid resilience, and support the growth of renewable energy by allowing surplus electricity to be shared between Wales and Ireland.

Greenlink is one of the first privately funded energy infrastructure projects of its kind in Europe. It is owned by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and operated by EirGrid.

At the Welsh end of the link, National Grid carried out a series of upgrades to its Pembroke substation, including the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside the existing air-insulated facility. The hybrid solution was designed to be space- and cost-efficient, and it uses a greener insulating gas instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), in line with National Grid’s target to halve SF6 emissions by 2030.

James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, described the go-live as a “significant milestone.”

He said: “This is one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.”

John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said connecting Greenlink to the network at Pembroke allows both countries to “benefit from that boost in capacity and resilience.”

He said: “As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening the security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit renewable power produced across borders.”

The converter stations at each end of the interconnector transform electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) for use on the respective national grids.

Michael Kelly, interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said the project was “a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security.”

He added: “EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland’s grid renewable ready. This latest connection was made possible through collaboration with our UK colleagues and the Greenlink team.”

The interconnector is now fully operational, with electricity flowing across the Irish Sea in both directions.

Business

Boost your start-up idea with popular Business Bootcamp

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.

Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.

Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.

Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.

There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.

“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”

The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3^rd and 10^th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.

To find out more please contact Alex on [email protected] or 07584642534.

Ends

Business

Business leader takes on 414-mile Easter cycling challenge

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.

Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.

The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.

The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.

“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.

“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”

Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.

The pair’s route is as follows:

Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”

She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”

Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.

To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don