More women than men left the workforce during the pandemic, many because they had to care for children. A business council wants companies to take the lead in expanding child care and elder care.
Women Left Their Jobs To Be Caregivers. A Business Coalition Wants Companies To Help
The coronavirus pandemic has been especially tough on women, who are still bearing the brunt of the demands of child care and housework.
About 400,000 more women than men have left the workforce since the start of the pandemic. The percentage of women in the paid labor force has not recovered from the steep drop in the spring of 2020.
Many had to leave their jobs last year to take care of their children when schools closed.
A new business coalition wants companies to take the lead in creating better options for child care and elder care, as well as push the federal government to create a minimum standard of federally funded family and medical leave. The group also advocates better working conditions for people who work as caregivers.