Women's Incomes

HL Deb 28 February 2000 vol 610 cc54-6WA

Lord Dubs

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish the findings of the Women's Unit's research into women's incomes over their lifetime which was commissioned in spring 1999. [HL1135]

The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Jay of Paddington)

A report on women's incomes over their lifetime was published on 21 February. Copies have been placed in the House Library.

The research set out to examine the key features of women's incomes, drawing on existing research and undertaking new analysis. While we have information about income comparisons between individuals at particular points in time, these do not tell us about the impact over women's lifetimes of the pattern and level of their earnings, the effect of the tax and benefits systems and the importance to women's incomes of transfers within families. This new report examines these issues and shows the significant income a woman can expect to forgo over her lifetime in comparison with a man with an equivalent level of education, irrespective of motherhood. The report then analyses the further income forgone by women who have children. In both cases the report highlights the significant impact a woman's level of academic achievement will have on her earnings.

The Government will be looking at the implications of these findings on future policies.