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Consultation responses and parliamentary briefings

Close the Gap responds to consultations by the Scottish Government, and other key stakeholders, where appropriate. We also develop parliamentary briefings to inform debates in the Scottish Parliament.

Close the Gap briefing for Stage 1 debate: Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-debate-briefing-for-Stage-1-debate-on-SEIAC.pdf | File size: 255KB

Close the Gap briefing for Social Justice and Social Security Committee debate: Addressing child poverty through parental employment

Filename: Close-the-Gap-debate-briefing-for-SJSS-committee-debate-on-addressing-child-poverty-through-parental-employment.pdf | File size: 263KB

Submission to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Act

Filename: Submission-to-EHRCJ-Committee-on-Gender-Representation-on-Public-Boards-Amendment-Scotland-Bill.pdf | File size: 153KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government debate: Investing in Scotland's green economy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Investing-in-Scotlands-Green-Economy.pdf | File size: 243KB

Close the Gap submission to the Scottish Government consultation on the provisions of the Education Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Scottish-Government-consultation-on-the-provisions-of-the-Education-Bill.pdf | File size: 271KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---16-Days-of-Activism-November-2023.pdf | File size: 226KB

Briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Fair work in a wellbeing economy. November 2023

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Fair-work-in-a-wellbeing-economy-Nov-2023.pdf | File size: 230KB

Briefing for the Scottish Government debate on ensuring Scotland's skills system is fit for purpose

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-debate-on-Ensuring-Scotlands-Skills-System-is-Fit-for-the-Future.pdf | File size: 235KB

Close the Gap submission to the Scottish Government Consultation on a Human Rights Bill for Scotland - October 2023

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Scottish-Government-Consultation-on-a-Human-Rights-Bill-for-Scotland.pdf | File size: 499KB

Submission to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee on the Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill

Filename: Submission-to-the-SJSS-Committee-on-Scottish-Employment-Injuries-Advisory-Council-Bill.pdf | File size: 302KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate on Opportunity in Programme for Government 2023-24

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Programme-for-Government-23-24---Opportunity.pdf | File size: 219KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government debate on equality within Programme for Government 2023-24

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Programme-for-Government-23-24---Equality.pdf | File size: 231KB

Response to the Scottish Government consultation on the review of the National Performance Framework National Outcomes, June 2023

Filename: NPF-Consultation-Response-June-2023.pdf | File size: 337KB

Close the Gap briefing for the Scottish Government debate: Trustworthy, Ethical and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence. June 2023

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Artificial-Intelligence-June-2023.pdf | File size: 283KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Business on Increasing the Participation of Women and Girls in STEM. June 2023

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Business---Increasing-Women-and-Girls-Participation-in-STEM-June-2023.pdf | File size: 255KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government Consultation on the Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-draft-energy-strategy-and-just-transition-plan-May-23.pdf | File size: 265KB

Close the Gap and Engender joint submission to the Scottish Government consultation on Building Community Wealth in Scotland

Close the Gap and Engender have developed a joint response to this consultation on Building Community Wealth in Scotland. Our organisations are clear that if new Community Wealth Building duties, guidance, and engagement are to be successful in achieving intended outcomes, gender and equalities approaches must be mainstreamed from the outset of their development. This means starting from a place of understanding that as a group, women have less access to resources, safety, and power and that women continue to provide most of the care for others and are over-represented in types of work which are lower paid and undervalued. Community Wealth Building must, from its foundations, proactively serve to disrupt existing patterns of inequality to advance intersectional gender equality. Otherwise, it risks simply reproducing the undercurrents of economic exclusion and inequality that already exist across Scotland’s communities.

Filename: Close-the-Gap--Engender-joint-response-to-the-Scottish-Government-consultation-on-Building-Community-Wealth-in-Scotland.pdf | File size: 381KB

Close the Gap's briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Supporting Scotland with Cost of Living and Reducing Child Poverty.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Cost-of-living-and-child-poverty-April-2023.pdf | File size: 225KB

Close the Gap submission to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee inquiry into child poverty and parental employment

Filename: CtG-submission-SJSS-Committee-inquiry-into-child-poverty-and-parental-employment.pdf | File size: 324KB

Joint letter to SNP Leadership Candidates from Women's Sector Organisations

Filename: Letter-to-SNP-Leadership-Candidates-from-Womens-Sector-Orgs-.pdf | File size: 439KB

Submission to the Economy and Fair Work Comittee disabled employment gap inquiry Feb 2023

An intersectional approach is crucial to understanding the complexities of women’s lives and it is important that policy design and delivery considers women who are most marginalised, for example, disabled women; racially minoritised women; and lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Disabled women’s experiences of engaging with the labour market are routinely invisible in policymaking, and in employer practice. We are currently delivering a research project on disabled women’s experiences of the labour market, and we would be happy to share more information on the findings in due course. Our submission provides a summary of the inequalities facing disabled women in engaging with the labour market.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Economy-and-Fair-Work-Committee-disabled-employment-gap-inquiry.pdf | File size: 302KB

Joint response to the Finance and Public Administration Committee Inquiry into Effective Scottish Government decision-making

This joint response created together with Engender and Scottish Women's Aid, highlights how entrenched structural inequalities in public institiutions and decision-making architecture act as a major barrier to women's equality.

Filename: Joint-response-to-the-FPA-Committee-Inquiry-into-Effective-SG-DecisionMaking.pdf | File size: 731KB

Close the Gap briefing for Member's Business debate: Future of Childcare January 2023

Childcare remains the most immediate barrier to women being able to work, study and train. The provision of quality, flexible childcare is inconsistent in Scotland and the prohibitively high cost means that many women leave their job to do part-time or full-time childcare. The need to balance earning with caring means women are more likely to work part-time which sees women further concentrated into low-paid and insecure work, as most part-time work is found in the lowest-paid jobs and sectors. This also makes it difficult for women to combine childcare with a job that is commensurate with their skill level.

Close the Gap has welcomed the introduction of 1140 hours of funded childcare. However, this entitlement must be viewed as the starting point, rather than the endpoint, of reform.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Business---Future-of-Childcare-Jan-23.pdf | File size: 224KB

Close the Gap submission to the Scottish Government Consultation on the Review of the operation of the Public Sector Equality Duty in Scotland

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-SG-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-operation-of-the-PSED-in-Scotland.pdf | File size: 410KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government Equality Evidence Strategy Consultation 2023-25

Filename: Close-the-Gap-reponse-to-the-SG-Equality-Evidence-Strategy-Consultation-2023-25.pdf | File size: 285KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Programme for Government and the Cost of Living

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Programme-for-Government-Cost-of-Living.pdf | File size: 195KB

Submission to the HSCS Committee consultation on the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-HSCS-Committee-consultation-on-the-National-Care-Service-Scotland-Bill.pdf | File size: 315KB

Response to the Covid-19 Recovery Committee Inquiry into the impact of the pandemic on the Scottish labour market

Filename: Covid-19-Recovery-Committee-Inquiry-into-the-impact-of-the-pandemic-on-the-Scottish-labour-market---August-2022.pdf | File size: 344KB

Close the Gap supplementary evidence for the Economy and Fair Work Committee on the Scottish Government's Retail Strategy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-supplementary-evidence-on-the-Retail-Strategy---May-2022.pdf | File size: 218KB

Close the Gap briefing for the Social Justice and Social Security Committee - Low-income and debt

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-the-Social-Justice-and-Social-Security-Committee---Low-income-and-debt.pdf | File size: 209KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Long Covid

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Long-Covid-May-2022.pdf | File size: 233KB

Submission to the EHRCJ Committee on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

This submission continues to support the aim of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill to introduce a self-declaration system for legal gender recognition. The current gender recognition process discriminates against trans people, particularly those belonging to other marginalised groups. This submission, however, focuses on the consequences of the bill, specifically around gathering, analysis & use of data, and on measuring the gender pay gap, rather than detailed responses to the consultation questions on the content of the Bill.

Filename: Submission-to-the-EHRCJ-Committee-on-GRA-reform-bill.pdf | File size: 255KB

Written evidence to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee session on VAW

Close the Gap provided written evidence to inform the Social Justice and Social Security Committee's session on violence against women. Our evidence focuses on the impact of VAW on women's employment, the need for improved support for victim-survivors in the workplace, and the role of employers in preventing VAW. Key learning from the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme is also included.

Filename: Evidence-to-SJSS-Committee-session-on-VAWG.pdf | File size: 262KB

Scottish Government PSED Review Equality Stakeholders’ Submission on Common Concerns

Filename: PSED-review-equality-stakeholders-common-concerns-April-2022.pdf | File size: 459KB

Close the Gap response to the Economy and Fair Work Committe inquiry into town centres and retail

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Economy-and-Fair-Work-Committee---Town-centres-and-retail.pdf | File size: 288KB

Human Rights Act Reform: A Modern Bill of Rights – A consultation to reform the Human Rights Act 1998: Joint Response

Filename: Final-joint-HRA-Reform-response-8th-March-2022.pdf | File size: 257KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Business: International Women’s Day - Break the Bias

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Business---International-Womens-Day-2022.pdf | File size: 238KB

Letter to John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery, on the COVID-19 Inquiry Terms of Reference

Filename: John-Swinney-Covid-Inquiry-TOR.pdf | File size: 363KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government Consultation on Becoming a Fair Work Nation

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Scottish-Governments-consultation-on-Becoming-a-fair-work-nation---December-2021.pdf | File size: 441KB

Close the Gap submission to the Scottish Government's call for views on the reform of the PSED in Scotland (stage 2)

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Scottish-Governments-call-for-views-on-the-review-into-the-effectiveness-of-the-Public-Sector-Equality-Duty-in-Scotland-Stage-2.pdf | File size: 431KB

Close the Gap response to the UK Government’s consultation on Making Flexible Working the Default

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-UK-Government-consultation-on-Making-Flexible-Working-the-Default---November-2021.pdf | File size: 294KB

Close the Gap submission to the Education Reform Consultation

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Education-Reform-Consultation.pdf | File size: 251KB

Close the Gap submission to the Consultation on a National Care Service for Scotland

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Consultation-on-a-National-Care-Service-for-Scotland.pdf | File size: 388KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Business: Long Covid as a Condition of Concern - November 2021

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Business---Long-Covid-as-a-Condition-of-Concern-November-2021.pdf | File size: 215KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Early Learning and Childcare - 1140 Hours and Beyond

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Early-Learning-and-Childcare.pdf | File size: 223KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Global Ambitions for COP26

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Briefing-for-Scottish-Government-debate-Global-Ambitions-for-COP26---October-2021.pdf | File size: 201KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-2026

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Response-to-Scottish-Governments-Consultation-on-Child-Poverty-Delivery-Plan---September-2021-.pdf | File size: 357KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Minimum Income Guarantee

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Scottish-Government-Consultation-on-the-Minimum-Income-Guarantee---September-2021.pdf | File size: 330KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: A Caring Nation – Setting Out a New Vision for Health and Social Care in Scotland

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---A-Caring-Nation-Health-and-Social-Care-in-Scotland.pdf | File size: 255KB

Close the Gap supplementary submission to the Independent Review of Adult Social Care

Filename: Supplementary-submission-to-the-Independent-Review-of-Adult-Social-Care.pdf | File size: 243KB

Close the Gap and Engender submission to the Advisory Council: Development of the National Strategy on Economic Transformation - August 2021

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender---Evidence-for-the-Advisory-Council-on-Economic-Transformation-August-2021.pdf | File size: 344KB

Close the Gap response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s inquiry into the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Social-Justice-and-Social-Security-Committee---Carers-Allowance-Supplement-Scotland-Bill-.pdf | File size: 213KB

Close the Gap and Engender joint briefing for Ministerial Statement: Tackling Child Poverty Progress Report

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender-briefing-for-Ministerial-Statement---Tackling-Child-Poverty-Progress-Report.pdf | File size: 239KB

Telemedical abortion services: joint letter to Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health, and Sport

Filename: Joint-letter-to-Maree-Todd-June-2021.pdf | File size: 383KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Tackling poverty and building a fairer country

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Tackling-Poverty-and-Building-a-Fairer-Country.pdf | File size: 228KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate - Economic Recovery

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate on the economic recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Economic-Recovery-.pdf | File size: 219KB

Close the Gap response to the UK Statistics Authority Inclusive Data Consultation - March 2021

Filename: Close-the-Gap-reponse-to-the-UK-Statistics-Authority-Inclusive-Data-Consultation---March-2021.pdf | File size: 233KB

Close the Gap Briefing for Scottish Government Debate - International Women's Day 2021

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---International-Womens-Day.pdf | File size: 223KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Debate: The impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Economy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Debate---The-impact-of-COVID-19-on-women-in-the-economy.pdf | File size: 236KB

Close the Gap response to Scottish Employment Injuries Council Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Scottish-Employment-Injuries-Advisory-Council-Bill---January-2021.pdf | File size: 241KB

Close the Gap briefing for the second reading of the National Minimum Wage Bill

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-second-reading-of-National-Minimum-Wage-Bill.pdf | File size: 213KB

Close the Gap briefing for members’ business: Young Women Lead Report on How to Increase Employment Opportunities for BAME Women

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-members-debate---Young-Women-Lead-Report-on-increasing-employment-opportunities-for-BAME-Women.pdf | File size: 234KB

Submission to the review of employment rights for domestic abuse survivors

Close the Gap's submission to the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy review of employment rights for survivors of domestic abuse.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-employment-rights-for-survivors-of-domestic-abuse.pdf | File size: 253KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate - Making Scotland Equally Safe (16 days of activism)

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Making-Scotland-Equally-Safe.pdf | File size: 204KB

Close the Gap submission to the Independent Review of Adult Social Care

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Independent-Review-of-Adult-Social-Care.pdf | File size: 328KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate - Employment Support

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Employment-Support.pdf | File size: 218KB

Close the Gap resoonse to the Social Justice and Fairness Commission's consultation on the reform of social care

October 2020

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-Social-Justice-and-Fairness-Commission---Reform-of-social-care-October-2020.pdf | File size: 250KB

Close the Gap and Engender response to Scottish Government consultation - Proposal for Scottish National Investment Bank

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender-joint-response-to-the-Scottish-Governments-Proposal-to-Set-Missions-for-SNIB.pdf | File size: 264KB

Close the Gap Briefing for Scottish Labour Debate - Recognising the importance of family caregivers

Filename: Close-the-Gap-for-Scottish-Labour-Debate----Recognising-the-importance-of-family-caregivers.pdf | File size: 236KB

Close the Gap and Engender response to EEFW Inquiry - SNIB MIssions

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender-joint-response-to-the-EEFW-Inquiry---Scottish-National-Investment-Bank-Missions-Sept-2020.pdf | File size: 265KB

Close the Gap Briefing for Scottish Government Debate: COVID-19 and the Economy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---COVID-19-and-the-economy.pdf | File size: 219KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate - Programme for Government

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Programme-for-Government.pdf | File size: 219KB

Close the Gap response to Scottish Labour Consultation on the National Care Service

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-Scottish-Labour---National-Care-Service-August-2020.pdf | File size: 296KB

Close the Gap response to the BEIS consultation on Carer's Leave August 2020

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-BEIS-consultation-on-Carers-Leave-August-2020.pdf | File size: 296KB

Close the Gap response to EEFW Committee inquiry into COVID-19: impact on businesses, workers and economy July 2020

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-EEFW---Impact-of-COVID-19-on-business-workers-and-the-economy-July-2020.pdf | File size: 400KB

Close the Gap and Engender response to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery report

In our response, developed jointly with Engender, we highlight that, despite the wide-ranging evidence and advocay around the gendered issues of the economic effects of Covid-19, the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery's report is not gendered. Despite the profoundly gendered nature of the crisis, which has impacted female-dominated sectors and substantially increased women’s unpaid work, the report barely mentions these as concerns. Its analysis does not integrate these gendered issues and nor is there any evidence of them in the recommendations it has produced. There is a significant risk that without mitigating action, an economic recovery based on the AGER recommendations will worsen women's labour market inequality, women's economic position, and widen income and wealth gaps. We highlight key concerns for Scottish Government to consider in its response to the report.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender-response-to-the-AGER.pdf | File size: 171KB

Close the Gap response to EqiHR Committee - Race equality, employment and skills

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-Equalities-and-Human-Rights-Committee---Race-equality-employment-and-Skills-June-2020.pdf | File size: 440KB

Close the Gap response to the Scottish Government's AI Strategy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-Scottish-Governments-AI-Strategy-Consultation---March-2020.pdf | File size: 347KB

Close the Gap evidence for the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery - May 2020

Filename: Close-the-Gap-evidence-for-the-Advisory-Group-on-Economic-Recovery---May-2020.pdf | File size: 340KB

Close the Gap response to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee inquiry into the impact of COVID-19

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-EQiHR-Committee-inquiry-COVID-19---Supplementary-Paper-.pdf | File size: 209KB

Close the Gap response to the EEFW Committee's inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on business, workers and the economy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-EEFW-Committee---Supplementary-Paper-.pdf | File size: 195KB

Response to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

Close the Gap's response to Scottish Government's consultation on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-GRA-reform-bill.pdf | File size: 257KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Labour Debate - Women in Scotland

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Labour's debate on 'women in Scotland'. In addition to information on women and the labour market, this briefing covers pregnancy discrimination, women in the gig economy and women’s poverty.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Labour-Debate---Women-in-Scotland.pdf | File size: 210KB

Close the Gap Briefing for Scottish Conservative Debate - Expansion of Funded Childcare

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Conservative-Debate---Expansion-of-Funded-Childcare.pdf | File size: 215KB

Submission to the Health and Sport Committee inquiry into social care

Close the Gap's submission to the Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee's inquiry into social care, in which we highlight addressing the gendered undervaluation of social care work as being core to the future of service delivery, and the importance of care more broadly to women's employment, and women's lives.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-Health-and-Sport-Committee-inquiry-into-social-care.pdf | File size: 259KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2020

Close the Gap briefing for International Women's Day 2020, focused on the gender pay gap and equal pay.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---International-Womens-Day-.pdf | File size: 196KB

Close the Gap's response to Social Security Scotland's draft equality outcomes consultation

Filename: Close-the-Gaps-response-to-Social-Security-Scotlands-draft-equality-outcomes-consultation.pdf | File size: 200KB

Close the Gap and Engender Joint Briefing - Scottish National Invesment Bank Bill Stage 3

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender---Joint-Briefing-for-Stage-3-.pdf | File size: 130KB

Close the Gap response to UK Government Good Work Plan consultation on transparency

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-UK-Government-Good-Work-Plan-consultation---Transparency-October-2019.pdf | File size: 298KB

Close the Gap parliamentary briefing for members' business - 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls

Close the Gap welcomes the debate on the 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls. This briefing highlights that violence against women is a workplace issue, and provides detail of Close the Gap’s employer accreditation programme, Equally Safe at Work.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Business---16-Days-of-Activism-against-gender-based-violence.pdf | File size: 204KB

Close the Gap Parliamentary Briefing - Scottish Labour Party Debate on Universal Credit

Ahead of the Scottish Labour Party's debate on Universal Credit, this briefing from Close the Gap highlights that women have been disproportionately impacted by welfare reform. The briefing notes that changes to social security have contributed to child poverty, and women’s higher rates of in-work poverty.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Labour-Debate---Unviersal-Credit.pdf | File size: 189KB

Close the Gap and Engender Joint Briefing - Scottish National Investment Bank Bill Amendments Concept Paper

Joint briefing from Close the Gap and Engender outlining key amendments to the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill if the Bank is to fulfil its potential with regards to gender equality.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-and-Engender---Proposed-SNIB-Amendments-.pdf | File size: 157KB

Close the Gap Parliamentary Briefing - Scottish Government Debate on Artificial Intelligence and Data Driven Technologies

Close the Gap briefing ahead of the Scottish Government's Debate in November 2019 on Artificial Intelligence and Data Driven Technologies. This briefing outlines some potential challenges around women’s labour market inequality, built-in discrimination and bias, and Scotland’s future skills needs.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Artificial-Intelligence-and-Data-Driven-Technologies.pdf | File size: 238KB

Close the Gap response to UK Government Good Work Plan Consultation - Parental Leave and Pay

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-UK-Government-Good-Work-Plan---Parental-Leave-and-Pay.pdf | File size: 314KB

Response to UK Government Good Work Plan Consultation - Neonatal Leave and Pay

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-UK-Government-Good-Work-Plan---Neonatal-October-2019.pdf | File size: 258KB

Response to the UK Government consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace

Close the Gap's submission to the UK Government consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace, and legal protections under the Equality Act 2010.

Filename: Response-to-UK-Govt-consultation-on-sexual-harassment-.pdf | File size: 244KB

Close the Gap Parliamentary Briefing: Scottish National Investment Bank Stage One Debate

Close the Gap briefing ahead of the Scottsih National Investment Bank Stage One Debate in September 2019. The briefing highlights key considerations for the Bank’s further development and details changes that are required to the Bill if the Bank is to fulfil its potential in tackling women’s economic inequality.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing---Scottish-National-Investment-Bank-Stage-One-Debate.pdf | File size: 214KB

Submission to the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee on the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill

Close the Gap's written submission to the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee's call for evidence on the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-EEFW-SNIB-Bill.pdf | File size: 234KB

Close the Gap Parliamentary Briefing: Progressing Towards a Fairer Scotland for Disabled People

Ahead of the Scottish Government’s debate on the Fairer Scotland for Disabled People Plan and Disability Employment Plan, this Close the Gap briefing looks at existing evidence on disabled women’s experiences of the labour market, the lack of gender analysis in the Disability Employment Plan and the impact of social security changes on disabled women’s lives.

March 2019

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Fairer-Scotland-for-Disabled-People.pdf | File size: 196KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government debate Fair Work Action Plan

Close the Gap briefing ahead of the Scottish Government debate on the Fair Work Action Plan. This briefing welcomes the publication of the action plan. However, it also highlights the lack of gender analysis and gender disaggregated data in the Plan and promotes the importance of gendered approaches to fair work.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Fair-Work-Action-Plan.pdf | File size: 199KB

Close the Gap briefing for Scottish Government debate Hear Me Too: 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girl

Close the Gap briefing ahead of the debate on the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 2018’s theme was ending gender-based violence in the world of work. The following briefing highlights existing evidence of violence against women as a workplace issue and shares details of Close the Gap’s world leading employer accreditation programme, Equally Safe at Work.

November 2018

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Scottish-Government-Debate---Hear-Me-Too.pdf | File size: 188KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Business: Condemnation of Misogyny, Racism, Harassment and Sexism

Close the Gap briefing ahead of a members’ debate on the Condemnation of Misogyny, Racism, Harassment and Sexism. Evidence highlights that women continue to face systemic harassment, racism and sexism in Scotland’s labour market. The #MeToo movement has highlighted the magnitude of sexual harassment and that women face significant barriers in coming forward about their experience, violence against women is a workplace issue and Black and minority ethnic women face a dual labour market disadvantage, facing racism and sexism simultaneously. This briefing summarises the findings of Close the Gap’s research into Black and minority ethnic women’s experiences of employment, violence against women as a workplace issue and the details of our new employer accreditation programme, Equally Safe at Work.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Members-Debate---Condemnation-of-Misogyny-Racism-Harassment-and-Sexism.pdf | File size: 235KB

Close the Gap briefing for Members’ Business: Equally Safe at Work

In January 2019, Gail Ross MSP took forward a members’ debate celebrating the launch of Close the Gap’s world-leading employer accreditation programme Equally Safe at Work. In addition to highlighting existing evidence on violence against women in the workplace, this briefing focuses on the details of the pilot programme, what’s involved for the seven participating councils (Aberdeen City Council, Highland Council, Midlothian Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Perth and Kinross Council, Shetland Council and South Lanarkshire Council), and the ambitions of the programme.

January 2019

Filename: Close-the-Gap-briefing-for-Equally-Safe-at-Work-Members-Debate-n.pdf | File size: 227KB

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on a Scottish National Investment Bank.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-reponse-to-the-SNIB-Consultation---October-2018.pdf | File size: 247KB

Response to the UK Government consultation on ethnicity pay reporting

Written response to the UK Government consultation on ethnicty pay reporting.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-UK-Government-consultation-on-ethnicity-pay-reporting-January-2019.pdf | File size: 286KB

Scottish women's sector submission to the Culture Tourism Europe and External Affairs Committee on the census

Filename: Scottish-womens-sector-submission-to-the-Culture-Tourism-Europe-and-External-Affairs-Committee-on-the-census-v2.pdf | File size: 260KB

Submission to the Royal Society of Edinburgh Tapping All Our Talents Review 2018

Close the Gap's written submission to the Royal Society of Edinburgh Tapping All Our Talents Review 2018

Filename: Submission-to-the-Royal-Society-of-Edinburgh-Tapping-All-Our-Talents-Review-2018.pdf | File size: 264KB

Response to the Social Security Committee inquiry into social security and in-work poverty

Close the Gap's written response to the Social Security Committee inquiry into social security and in-work poverty

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-Social-Secuirty-Committee---In-Work-Poverty-and-Social-Security.pdf | File size: 297KB

Written response to the BEIS inquiry into the gender pay gap

Close the Gap's written submission to the UK Parliament Business, Economy and Industrial Strategy inquiry into the gender pay gap.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-BEIS-inquiry-gender-pay-gap.pdf | File size: 209KB

Response to the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee consultation on business support

Close the Gap's written response to the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee consultation on business support

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Response-to-Business-Support-Inquiry---August-2018.pdf | File size: 246KB

Response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Increasing the Employment of Disabled People in the Public Sector

Close the Gap's written response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Increasing the Employment of Disabled People in the Public Sector

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Response-to-Consultation-on-Increasing-Employment-of-Disabled-People.pdf | File size: 272KB

Submission to Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into sexual harassment

Close the Gap's written submission to the UK Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace.

Filename: UK-WEC-sexual-harassment-inquiry.pdf | File size: 230KB

Women's sector response to the Gender Recognition Act consultation

Close the Gap worked with Engender, Scottish Women's Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland, Zero Tolerance and Equate Scotland to produce a joint response to the Scottish Government consultation on proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act.

Filename: Scottish-Womens-Sector-response-to-the-consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-the-Gender-Recognition-Act.pdf | File size: 479KB

Response to EHRC enforcing the gender pay gap regulations

Close the Gap's response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission proposals to enforce the gender pay gap information regulations.

Filename: EHRC-Enforcement-of-gender-pay-gap-regulations.pdf | File size: 504KB

Response to the Scottish National Investment Bank consultation

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on a Scottish National Investment Bank.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-SNIB-consultation.pdf | File size: 523KB

Submission to Economy Jobs and Fair Work Committee inquiry on Scotland’s Economic Performance: trends, challenges and future developments

CLose the Gap's response to the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee's call for evidence on trends, challenges and future developments around Scotland’s economy.

Filename: Submission-to-Economy-Jobs-and-Fair-Work-Committee-inquiry-on-Scotland.pdf | File size: 568KB

The socio-economic duty consultation: Equality sector response, September 2017

A response from a coalition of national equalities organisations, including Close the Gap, to the Scottish Government’s proposals for the socio-economic duty.

Filename: Socioeconomic-duty-consultation-equality-sector-response-September-2017.pdf | File size: 680KB

CtG submission to the Scottish Parliament Equalities and Human Rights Committee on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill

Taking steps to address women’s under-representation on public boards is a necessary action towards closing the gender pay gap, and tackling women’s economic inequality. This is Close the Gap's submission to the Scottish Parliament Equalities and Human Rights Committee's scrutiny of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill.

Filename: CtG-submission-EHRiC-Gender-Representation-on-Public-Boards-Scotland-BIll.pdf | File size: 525KB

Close the Gap submission to the Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy

The problems associated with the gig economy, insecure work and bogus self-employment have a significant impact on women. This is Close the Gap's evidence submission to the Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Submission-to-the-Expert-Advisory-Panel-on-the-Collaborative-Economy.pdf | File size: 623KB

Joint response to the Scottish Parliament Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee inquiry report into the gender pay gap

Gender equality organisations Close the Gap, Engender, Equate Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Zero Tolerance welcome the report of the Scottish Parliament Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee inquiry into the gender pay gap, and call for action.

Filename: Joint-response-to-the-Scottish-Parliament-Economy-Jobs-and-Fair-Work-Committee-inquiry-report-into-the-gender-pay-gap.pdf | File size: 2557KB

Close the Gap response to the Independent Review of Employment Practices in the Modern Economy

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-review-of-employment-practices-in-the-modern-economy.pdf | File size: 263KB

Response to the consultation on the Equally Safe draft delivery plan

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on the Equally Safe draft delivery plan.

Filename: 1498750312_Response-to-the-consultation-on-the-Equally-Safe-draft-delivery-plan.pdf | File size: 1150KB

Response to consultation on the draft Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on the draft Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill.

Filename: CtG-consultation-response-gender-balance-on-boards-bill.pdf | File size: 362KB

Submission to the Economy, Jobs, and Fair Work Committee inquiry to the pay gap

Close the Gap's written submission to the Scottish Parliament Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee inquiry into the gender pay gap

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-pay-gap-inquiry.pdf | File size: 584KB

Response to STEM education and training strategy consultation

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on the STEM education and training strategy.

Filename: STEM-education-training-strategy.pdf | File size: 434KB

Response to the social security consultation

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on the future of social security.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-social-security-consultation.pdf | File size: 565KB

Response to the draft regulations on mandatory pay gap reporting

This is Close the Gap's response to the UK Government's consultation on the draft regulations to require large private and third sector organisations report on their gender pay gap.

Filename: Draft-regulations-on-mandatory-pay-gap-reporting-March-2016.pdf | File size: 290KB

Supplementary evidence to Women & Equalities Committee inquiry into the pay gap

This supplementary written evidence to the UK Women & Equalities Committee inquiry into the gender pay gap for women aged over 40 years focuses on recommendations for key stakeholders.

Filename: Supplementary-evidence-to-the-Women-and-Equalities-Committee-inquiry-into-the-pay-gap.pdf | File size: 288KB

Submission to the UK Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into the pay gap

Close the Gap's written evidence to the UK Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into the gender pay gap for women aged over 40 years.

Filename: 1452700772_Close-the-Gap-submission-to-Women-and-Equalities-Committee-inquiry-into-the-pay-gap.pdf | File size: 433KB

Submission to the Welfare Reform Committee's scrutiny of the draft budget 2016/17

Close the Gap's written submission the Scottish Parliament Welfare Reform Committee's scrutiny of the draft budget 2016/17, for which the Committee is using a gender analysis.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-Welfare-Reform-Committe-scrutiny-of-draft-budget-2016-17.pdf | File size: 156KB

Submission to the UK Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into the pay gap

Close the Gap's written submission to the UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into the gender pay gap for women aged over 40 years.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-Women-and-Equalities-Committee-inquiry-into-the-pay-gap.pdf | File size: 433KB

Response to the consultation on amendments to the public sector equality duty regulation

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on proposals to amend the public sector equality duty regulations. Proposed amendments include the introduction of diversity succession planning for boards, and the lowering of the threshold for publishing gender pay gap information and equal pay statements.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-PSED-regulations-amendment-consultation-November-2015.pdf | File size: 294KB

Written evidence to the Welfare Reform Committee inquiry into future delivery of social security

Close the Gap's written submission to the Scottish Parliament Welfare Reform Committee inquiry into the future delivery of social security in Scotland, November 2015.

Filename: Welfare-Reform-Committee-evidence-on-the-future-delivery-of-social-security.pdf | File size: 287KB

Response to Scottish Government consultation on employability

Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government consultation on the devolution of new powers on employability support.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-consultation-on-employability.pdf | File size: 381KB

Response to the UK Government consultation on closing the gender pay gap

Close the Gap's response to the UK Government consultation on requiring large private and voluntary sector organisations in the UK publish their gender pay gap.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-the-UK-Government-consultation-on-closing-the-gender-pay-gap---August-2015.pdf | File size: 446KB

Engender Shadow Report to ICESCR

This the Engender Shadow Report submitted to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which Close the Gap have signed in support. It is the sixth periodic report of the government of the UK on measures taken to give effect to the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Filename: Engender-shadow-report-ICESCR-UK-2015.pdf | File size: 777KB

Submission to Economy, Energy and Tourism inquiry into work, wages and well-being

Close the Gap's written evidence to the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee's inquiry into work, wages and well-being.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Economy-Energy-and-Tourism-Committee-inquiry-into-work-wages-and-well-being---August-2015.pdf | File size: 322KB

Submission to the Equal Opportunities Committee inquiry into race, ethnicity and employment

Close the Gap's submission to the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee inquiry into race, ethnicity and employment.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-Submission-to-Scottish-Parliament-Equal-Opportunities-Committee-Inquiry-into-Race.pdf | File size: 311KB

Close the Gap evidence submission to Women and Welfare Reform Inquiry April 2015

A submission from Close the Gap to the inquiry into women and welfare reform.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-evidence-submission-to-Women-and-Welfare-Reform-Inquiry-April-2015.pdf | File size: 314KB

Welfare Reform Committee scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2015-16 Joint response, November 2014

A joint submission from Close the Gap, Engender, Scottish Women's Aid and Scottish Refugee Council to the Welfare Reform Committee on their scrutiny of the Scottish Government Draft Budget 2015-16. November 2014

Filename: 1411-WR-committee-Draft-Budget.pdf | File size: 469KB

Women on Boards - consultation response July 2014

This is Close the Gap's response to the Scottish Government's consultation on gender quotas on public boards.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-response-to-Women-on-Boards---July-2014.pdf | File size: 226KB

Close the Gap submission to the Smith Commission October 2014

Submission to the Smith Commission on the devolution of further powers to the Scottish Parliament.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-submission-to-the-Smith-Commission-on-the-devolution-of-further-powers-to-Scotland-Oct-2014.pdf | File size: 357KB

Response to the consultation on European Structural and Investment Fund 2014 - 2020 Programmes

This is a joint submission from Close the Gap and Engender. It outlines our concerns that the proposals within European Structural and Investment Fund Programmes are likely to have a negative impact on women.

Filename: Structural-funds-Engender-and-Close-the-Gap-January-2014.docx | File size: 392KB

Women and work consultation Feb 2013

This is a response to the call for evidence from the Equal Opportunities Committee at the Scottish Parliament. The paper discusses the current challenges facing women in paid work, this includes occupational segregation, and considers solutions to these issues.

Filename: Women-and-work-consultation-February-2013.pdf | File size: 284KB

Close the Gap PSED respondent information Nov 2011

This contains information about the project in relation to the response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Public Sector Equality Duty November 2011.

Filename: Close-the-Gap-PSED-consultation-response-respondent-information-Nov-2011.pdf | File size: 92KB

Single Equality Duty consultation November 2011

The project's response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) November 2011.

Filename: Single-Equality-Duty-consultation-November-2011.pdf | File size: 206KB

RSE Lifting the Barriers for Women in STEM

The Royal Society of Edinburgh tasked a small group of experts to investigate the barriers facing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is Close the Gap's response which highlights the well documented barriers facing women wanting to enter or remain in STEM occupations.

Filename: CTG-response-to-RSE-Women-in-STEM-Aug-ust-2011.doc | File size: 386KB