Maximising the potential of women returning to work: aspirations, opportunities and policies

This paper takes as its starting point the prediction made by the National Economic Development Office/Training Commission Report of July 1988 that four out of five new entrants to the labour market in the 1990's will be women returning to work. It asks whether the demographic shift will increase the opportunities available to women returning to work. To what extent do employers’ perceived labour needs match the aspirations of women returners? What relationship is there, if any, between equal opportunities policies and the anticipated demand for women returners? What is the role of a state which is reluctant to intervene?