Small pilot scheme will support women returning to Stem careers in UK

A woman wearing a headscarf and lab coat entering a laboratory through a door while reading a tablet

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Government funds will help parents and carers in the Midlands and north of England re-enter the job market

The UK government has awarded £150,000 to support a pilot scheme that will help parents and carers return to the science sector after career breaks. The Stem ReCharge project will be delivered in the Midlands and north of England and will provide support for people returning to the workforce, as well as employers.

According to government estimates around 75,000 people in the UK, mostly women, are currently looking to return to the science and engineering sectors after taking career breaks due to caring responsibilities. Despite this, employers report that 43% of vacancies are difficult to fill, while women make up less than 30% of the Stem workforce.