Council makes Equally Safe at Work pledge to employees

03 July 2019

Aberdeen City Council has become one of seven Scottish local authorities to join a pilot project designed to advance gender equality in the workplace and prevent violence against women.

The Equally Safe at Work initiative is being led by Close the Gap as part of the organisation’s wider work on the participation of women in Scotland’s labour market. The accreditation programme requires employers to demonstrate their commitment to reviewing workplace culture and ensuring policies and practices are enhanced to address the barriers that women face at work.

Aberdeen City Council’s pledge in support of the Equally Safe at Work aims can be read in full here.

Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “Our workforce is the Council’s greatest asset and we have thousands of dedicated staff working across a wide range of functions providing care, support and vital services to all those we serve.

“It’s essential that we acknowledge the contribution staff make to the city and that as a Council we nurture, protect and support our employees. Great strides have been made in relation to equality for women in local authorities – but that work must continue to ensure every individual has the same opportunity to fulfil their potential, whether existing employees or potential additions to the workforce.

“Preventing violence against women is also an integral part of the Equally Safe at Work initiative and we fully endorse the work that is being done. As a Council we are proud of the multi-agency work we do in the city, notably with Police Scotland, and a coordinated approach is crucial to addressing a serious issue in society. The pilot project is a positive step forward and we are committed to playing our part.”

Cllr Laing joined fellow Co-Leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden and Chief Executive Angela Scott in signing the Equally Safe at Work pledge on behalf of the organisation.