§ 24. Hugh BayleyTo ask the Minister for Women what change there has been in the number of women in employment since 1997. [170673]
§ Ms HewittThe Government have implemented a substantial package of measures to give women greater choice when entering the labour market, including new rights for working parents, tax credits, New Deal for Lone Parents and New Deal for Partners. There are now more women in employment than ever before, 13 million, up from 12 million in spring 1997. This Government's initiatives have contributed to the significant increase.