Number of women in FTSE 100 positions rises, figures show

Figures published by the Hampton-Alexander Review have shown a rise in the number of women in FTSE 100 board positions.

The government-backed review was launched in 2016 and aims to get more talented women into senior roles, with FTSE 350 businesses being given a target of having 33% of women in FTSE 100 board positions by 2020.

Progress

The review highlighted the progress that businesses have made in helping more women to get into senior roles, with females now accounting for 29% of FTSE 100 board positions, up from 12.5% in 2011. If this progress continues, then businesses look set to hit the 33% target by 2020.

Women now also make up 25.5% of board positions in FTSE 350 companies, and while the figures show that gender diversity is improving, 40% of all appointments will still need to go to women over the next couple of years in order for businesses to meet their target.

Bridging the gender pay gap is a priority for the government, with its Industrial Strategy aiming to help businesses provide better, high-paying job roles to enable everyone to achieve success in the workplace. Research has shown that tackling the gender pay gap could help to boost the UK economy by £150m by 2025.

Benefits

Commenting on the review, Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said: “The Hampton-Alexander Review is highlighting the benefits of everyone having an equal opportunity to reach the top, and I commend their effort in driving this important initiative.”