In a groundbreaking move towards fostering inclusivity and tackling the motherhood penalty head-on, Women in Transport, working in partnership with Kier Transportation (a business division of Kier Group), is thrilled to announce the launch of its comprehensive whitepaper. This document lays out actionable recommendations to transform workplaces into supportive environments for working parents, coinciding with the dawn of the UK’s new flexible working laws.

As the work landscape continues to evolve, the importance of accommodating the diverse needs of employees, particularly parents, cannot be overstated. With the recent implementation of flexible working legislation in the UK, the time is ripe for organisations to reassess their approaches and embrace strategies that promote work-life balance and equity.

The whitepaper offers a roadmap for employers to navigate these changes effectively. From fostering a culture of flexibility and empathy to enhancing parental leave policies and supporting returning parents. Each recommendation has been crafted using first-hand accounts from employers and employees across the transport sector to address the multifaceted challenges faced by working parents.

Sonya Byers, CEO of Women in Transport, said:

“This whitepaper is an essential contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender equity and the workplace. It brings together knowledge and insight from the Women in Transport network to challenge and dismantle the barriers that hinder parents, particularly mothers, from reaching their full potential. We recognise that true progress is achieved through collaboration and collective action. That’s why we’re inviting organisations across the transport industry to join us in implementing these recommendations and championing a more inclusive future for all. As we embrace the dawn of a new era of flexible working laws in the UK, let’s seize this opportunity to pave the way for a workplace where parenthood is not a barrier but a celebrated aspect of diversity. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative and create workplaces that empower every individual to flourish.”

Vicky Glover, People Director at Kier Transportation, said:

“At Kier Transportation, we’re committed to furthering diversity and inclusion for all of our people, and our partnership with Women in Transport helps us to do that. We know this isn’t an issue we can tackle alone, and through this partnership, we’re able to engage with other organisations so we can work collaboratively to make improvements across the industry. We’re committed to improving the working lives of parents and making the transport sector a more attractive option for them, while also tackling the motherhood penalty through our policies, benefits, and flexible ways of working.”