A project helping unemployed mums into the workplace has got the backing of the West of England’s Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The Women's Work Lab, which supports unemployed mums in receipt of benefits, offers free 12-month training, work placement and coaching courses to women struggling to find paid work after having children.

On Employability Day, Mr Norris learnt how Women’s Work Lab, who have receieved funding via the Mayor's 'Adult Education Budget', have been super successful in getting women, many of whom face challenges like having survived domestic abuse, find good, secure and well-paid jobs in the region.

By the end of 2023, the team are hoping to have worked with more than 300 mums. Crucially, over 60% of those who take part in Women’s Work Lab training and placements get a job within six months of completing their training.

Mayor Norris also learnt how on recent programmes, Women’s Work Lab are supporting refugees, including Ukrainians who have settled in the West like mum of two Nina Pukhtieieva who only started learning English when she arrived in the country 9 months ago. She has been on a placement with the Roman Baths run by the council learning all about business support, retail and other areas. Mayor Norris said: “It was great to come back and see Camilla and Rachel. Last time we met no one had contemplated Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine. I am impressed but not surprised to learn how Women’s Work Lab has adapted to support refugees, including our Ukrainian friends who have settled here like the amazing Nina. It’s an absolute pleasure to meet such brilliant mums and hear how they are expanding their horizons and finding work that works for them. “Bravo to the Women’s Work Lab who are helping so many mums in Bath and North East Somerset, and right across the West, to have the opportunity to find secure, fulfilling work.” Nina from Odessa in Ukraine decided to join the Women’s Work Lab once her children were settled at a local school and she wanted to return to work. She said; “I am grateful to the Women’s Work Lab for their support.  I was unsure of my abilities, not sure that I could find my place in a new country.  The Women’s Work Lab makes you think about who you are, how you can be useful, what you can do.  I now feel confident again and the team has helped me to find a place where I can apply all my knowledge." The Mayor also heard from co-founders and joint CEOs Camilla Rigby and Rachel Mostyn about how, while their courses are vital, employers need to be much more flexible and make their workplaces more accessible to attract more mums back into work. The Women’s Work Lab has signed the Mayor’s Good Employment Charter, which includes pledges from firms to, among other things, offer more workplace flexibility. Co-Founder Rachel Mostyn added: “The Mums we support often come to us with complex barriers but a shared determination to find a fulfilling career that will provide financial stability for their family. The talent that exists amongst our Mums is awe-inspiring and we feel hugely privileged to be part of their journey towards recognising and reaching their potential. Our work can only happen with the wonderful support of our employer partners and the Combined Authority, who place their trust in the Women's Work Lab team to provide this specialist support. And it’s working - last year we supported 68% of our graduates to secure meaningful employment.” The Women’s Work Lab runs courses across the West of England, with the next cohort starting in September. Applications are now open and Mums can apply here.