Hire More Women Or Miss Out

Companies not employing enough women are in the spotlight.

It's all part of a new quota plan reportedly put forward by the Australian Human Rights Commission, which could see companies lose out to Government contracts, in a bid to close the pay gap which is currently at about 16 per cent between men and women.

The Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins is apparently looking at a target of 40% women, for all companies vying for public contracts.

It would mean the gender balance would be 40% men, 40% women, and 20% unallocated for flexibility.

But its got business groups worried that it could send some companies broke, especially in male dominated industries like construction and manufacturing, where guys make up about 80% of the workforce.