Women in Manufacturing’s response to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper

In response to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper, the Policy and Research Working Group of the Women in Manufacturing UK initiative presents a series of recommendations aimed at addressing gender disparities in the manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing sector in the UK faces significant challenges, not least of which is the persistent gender gap. Despite women comprising nearly half of the UK workforce, they represent only 26% of employees in manufacturing and face a 15.9% wage gap compared to their male counterparts (Castañeda-Navarrete, et al., 2023).

This disparity not only affects women’s current and future living standards but also limits the industry’s potential for innovation, creativity, and overall business outcomes. Our recommendations are grounded in evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of diversity on business performance, talent attraction, and retention. Moreover, addressing the barriers to women’s participation in manufacturing is crucial for tackling the skills gap that has affected the industry for over a decade. Make UK’s estimates suggest that filling current manufacturing vacancies could add an extra £7 billion annually to the UK’s GDP (Make UK, 2023).

The Women in Manufacturing UK Initiative, established in 2022, is a non-profit network of professionals with a shared interest in increasing diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. Founding organisations include the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. Our response to the Industrial Strategy Green Paper focuses on five key areas:

1. Growth-driving sectors
2. Innovation and investment
3. People and skills
4. Regulation
5. Place

Each recommendation is designed to integrate gender perspectives and promote inclusive practices across these critical domains of the Industrial Strategy. By implementing these recommendations, we believe the UK can create a more equitable, innovative, and competitive manufacturing sector that fully leverages the talents of its entire workforce.

Download the full note