WOMEN workers in Huddersfield’s fashion and textiles industry could climb the career ladder – thanks to a new programme.

Although women account for 52% of the sector’s workforce, research shows that they occupy just 37% of the top jobs – while pay for women in the manufacturing part of the sector is 18% lower than for men.

Now Skillfast-UK, the sector skills council for fashion and textiles, has launched an initiative called Women & Work, which will provide training grants of up to £500 per person to help women update their skills.

Sue Green, programme manager, said: “This is the third time that we have run Women & Work – and the results in previous years have been fantastic.

“Last time, more than 190 ladies in Yorkshire learned highly-valued technical skills – and it is not uncommon for people on the programme to move from the factory-floor into management positions.”

Kirklees has about 345 fashion and textile businesses – making it a major sector for the region.

The Women & Work programme is one of several initiatives by Skillfast-UK in the region to boost skills and increase competitiveness in the downturn.