Labour MP Jess Phillips has brought attention to the immense burden of unpaid labour shouldered by women across the UK, urging policymakers to take decisive action. Speaking passionately in Parliament, Phillips revealed that women spend an average of 26 hours per week on unpaid work—such as childcare, cooking, and cleaning—compared to just 16 hours for men.
The Stark Reality of Unpaid Labour
Phillips emphasised that this disparity is not just a personal issue but a systemic one, deeply rooted in societal expectations. "Women are propping up the economy with unpaid work, yet it goes unrecognised and unrewarded," she stated. Her remarks come as part of a broader push to address gender inequality in both public policy and corporate culture.
Calls for Policy Reform
The Labour MP proposed several measures to alleviate this imbalance, including:
- Expanding affordable childcare options
- Implementing flexible work policies
- Introducing tax incentives for equitable household labour distribution
"We cannot achieve true equality until unpaid labour is valued and redistributed," Phillips argued, drawing applause from fellow MPs.
The Economic Impact
Experts estimate that unpaid domestic work contributes billions to the UK economy annually, yet it remains absent from GDP calculations. Phillips called for this to change, highlighting how recognising unpaid labour could reshape economic policies and social support systems.
Her speech has reignited debates on gender roles, with advocates praising her for spotlighting an often-overlooked issue. As the conversation gains momentum, many hope it will lead to tangible reforms that ease the disproportionate burden on women.
