Women are at a disadvantage re-entering the workplace – I'm proud the government is investing £1.5m in tackling this issue

As any parent will tell you, the joy of caring for a baby and child brings with it practical challenges and sacrifices.

More often than not, it falls to women to take on this wonderful responsibility. But it can come at a cost to our employment prospects.

Studies have found that time away from their job and fewer years of full-time work are two of the reasons women struggle to progress in their careers – thereby widening the gender pay gap.

These issues can, of course, affect men who take time out of work for caring reasons, but we know that nine out of 10 people returning to work after spending time out caring for someone are women.

And the challenges women face when they try to re-enter the job market can be significant. Some organisations are reluctant to consider candidates with gaps in their CVs, or offer flexible hours or part-time working – necessities for mothers caring for children.

For too long this has cut short careers.

That’s why this government is investing £1.5m to start up projects across the country that will support people to come back to work.

The organisations will give anyone who has taken a break to care the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills – ensuring they are in the best position when they are applying for jobs. They will also be linking in with employers, opening their eyes to the talent they are losing and encouraging them to change outdated recruitment processes and consider different types of skills.

Five grant recipients have already been awarded £500,000, and more winners of the further £1m will follow this autumn. The five organisations will be working directly with 79 employers from a range of sectors including law, finance, tech, retail, communications, advertising and marketing. They are supporting people from all over the country and from all walks of life.

One project, run by Women Returners, will support 100 returners to the legal sector through workshops and training in the northwest and Leeds. They will also reform the recruitment and support practices of twelve law firms to enable them to focus on returners in the future.

For too long, brilliant, talented women have been unable to re-enter industries which will not support them to return. Equality means allowing people to achieve their full potential – not being held back by where they come from, what they look like, or what gender they are.

Aside from the clear injustice, this issue has real practical implications for the UK and our economy.

We cannot afford to prevent women from returning to work. Research by McKinsey estimates that bridging gender gaps in employment could add £150bn to the UK economy by 2025. And figures have shown that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 per cent more likely to enjoy profits above their industry averages.

This government is taking action to make sure women – and men – can return to work. This is good for business, great for our economy and helps parents to achieve their potential at work while enjoying their time at home.

Victoria Atkins is the minister for women