Parliamentarians have told the British government that it must introduce policies to ensure employees at risk, most notably women, are not excluded by technological advances.
The work and pensions committee has called for a comprehensive, long-term strategy on how to address the repercussions of rapid change in work practices brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The committee says the UK is facing the prospect of a rapid churn between new jobs and loss of existing roles in a process likely to be uneven across sectors, exacerbating inequalities.
Stephen Timms, the chairman, said that the government must plan now to avoid those in danger – women, younger people, the disabled and those from some ethnic minorities – “being left behind”.
“Deep-seated trends were already driving labour market inequalities,” Mr Timms said. “The pandemic has hit fast-forward on them.
"As we emerge, automation and new technologies will continue to transform both how people work and the skills they need to succeed.”
Experts and campaigners have raised women's demands for more gender-focused planning and flexible working arrangements when Britain's Covid-19 restrictions are entirely removed.
Where no action is taken to address the pandemic's impact on women in the workforce then global GDP growth will be $1 trillion lower by 2030. Radkiha Chadwick
Radikha Chadwick, a partner at the McKinsey and Company consultancy, said the accelerated adoption of hybrid working during the pandemic should remain a viable option.
"People who work more flexibly, particularly if they have care needs, are normally disproportionately women so when an organisation normalises remote or hybrid working they help women," Ms Chadwick told a panel on the future of work at this month's CogX Festival.
Some companies are already changing their policies to give employees long-term flexible working rights.
The UK government is considering new legislation to make working from home the default option by giving employees the right to request it.
Employers have been asked to build in protection to ensure women are not disadvantaged. For example the shift to working at home could make gender inequality worse if women become less visible to employers.
What is the cost of gender imbalance in Britain's workforce?
The gender-skewed effects of lockdowns, at home and work, have leaned heavily against women.
While more men have died from the virus, women have suffered because of some of the policies introduced to prevent disease transmission.
From their increased exposure to frontline jobs – 77 per cent of "high-risk" jobs in the UK were held by women – to their vulnerable status on part-time or zero-hour contracts, and the "double shifts" working mothers were putting in at home, women have borne the bulk of the pandemic's burdens.
Ms Chadwick, who specialises in public sector practice, said the economic fallout of neglecting women’s needs would be significant.
“In a gender-regressive scenario where no action is taken to address the pandemic’s impact on women in the workforce, then global GDP growth will be $1 trillion lower by 2030, assuming that women’s unemployment tracks that of men,” she said.
If the situation deteriorates and more women leave the labour market for a longer time, the global effects will be even greater.
“The knock-on factors of this dire economic projection include an increase in gender-based violence, school drop-out rates, child marriage and a worsening economic spiral,” Ms Chadwick said.
After steady progress over the past decade, experts warn that female economic empowerment is at risk of a rapid reversal because of Covid-19.
In this year's Women at Work report, consultancy PwC warned that OECD countries must progress towards gender equality at twice its historical rate for a complete economic recovery from the pandemic by 2030.
Working mothers: more responsibility, less help
Research by McKinsey last year revealed that despite accounting for only 39 per cent of the UK workforce, women made up 54 per cent of job losses related to Covid-19, making them nearly twice as likely to lose their jobs than men.
Fears of a massive "she-cession" might be misplaced, though, as new data published by the Resolution Foundation think tank showed women's average working hours took less of a hit than men's since the outbreak.
The research showed that full-time female employment had actually increased over the past year, yet working mothers continue to be affected by the gender divide.
In the first four months of this year, Britain lost 2,000 childcare providers.
Far more public and social centres are struggling to stay open, meaning that inevitably working parents, particularly mothers, will struggle as well.
When schools and offices shut last year, the "invisible work" of women became more apparent, with mothers reportedly three times more likely to take on most of the childcare and household duties as fathers.
Increased awareness might be a welcomed by-product but without appropriate resources and political action, women will continue to shoulder the double shift.
For gender-sensitive policies to be implemented, the UK needs a more equal balance of women and men in policy decisions, feminist activist Sophie Walker told the CogX event.
The founder of the Women’s Equality Party criticised the government for missing “every opportunity” to factor women’s needs into pandemic planning.
Gender was referred to in only 13 out of 73 meetings held in 2020 by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, LSE researchers said.
In the few instances where explicit reference was made to gender, all related to biological sex and physical risks of the virus, they said in the Why we Need a Gender Advisor on SAGE report.
The lack of female representation is not just a failing of the UK.
The UN Development Programme says men outnumber women three to one across Covid-19 government task forces around the world.
After the pandemic: why gender needs to be part of the plans
UN Women expects 47 million more females will fall below the poverty line if action is not taken to protect women from the economic fallout.
Its research found that only one in eight countries have effective measures in place to protect women.
Last year UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a "new deal" to set the country on a path of economic recovery under the theme Build Build Build.
But the Women’s Equality Committee expressed its concern that the government’s priorities for recovery were “heavily gendered in nature”.
In its report, Unequal Impact? Coronavirus and the Gendered Economic Impact, one professor criticised the "build rhetoric" for its association with construction, an industry historically filled by men.
The study showed a “care-led” recovery could create more than two million jobs for men and women.
Echoing the committee’s sentiments, Ms Walker advocated for more feminist economics that invest in social and health care.
The future of flexible working: a right or an option?
As Britain inches towards "Freedom Day" with bated breath, there is some trepidation as to what is in store.
The question on many women’s minds will be whether there will be a repeat of the gender-related shortcomings in planning for the post-pandemic recovery.
Ms Chadwick said there was a good opportunity to use the experience of a difficult past year and data collated to address the needs of women at work.
“The good news is that if we take action now we estimate that we could add $13tn to the global economy by 2030,” said the consultant, who advises governments and agencies across Europe.
Ms Chadwick said hybrid working was “here to stay” so companies should be driving even more changes towards gender equality at work.
“What would inspire me is to see businesses and political leaders work together and take some bold action that shows a genuine desire to move the needle,” she said.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
PAKISTAN SQUAD
Abid Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (test captain), Babar Azam (T20 captain), Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Kashif Bhatti, Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah.
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Anna and the Apocalypse
Director: John McPhail
Starring: Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming, Mark Benton
Three stars
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
FIXTURES
All games 6pm UAE on Sunday:
Arsenal v Watford
Burnley v Brighton
Chelsea v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Everton v Bournemouth
Leicester v Man United
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Liverpool
Southampton v Sheffield United
West Ham v Aston Villa
Results
2.15pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Arrab, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Mahaleel, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel.
3.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum handicap (TB) Dh200,000 2,000m; Winner: Dolmen, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Amang Alawda, Sandro Paiva, Bakhit Al Ketbi.
4.15pm: The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m; Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
4.45pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 2,000m; Winner: Al Jazi, Jesus Rosales, Eric Lemartinel.
Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
%3Cp%3E1.%20Singapore%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Switzerland%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Denmark%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Ireland%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Hong%20Kong%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Sweden%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Taiwan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Netherlands%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Norway%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Pakhtoons 137-6 (10 ov)
Fletcher 68 not out; Cutting 2-14
Sindhis 129-8 (10 ov)
Perera 47; Sohail 2-18
