Letter: Women's figures in the workforce

From Mr John Henderson Sir: The case for equal opportunities for women in the workforce can hardly be helped by the non sequiturs in Lady Howe's letter (5 January). What her figures show is that member organisations of Opportunity 2000 employ more women in managerial positions than non-members. How is that fact "a clear advantage"? How can she claim the "business case" is proven? To make out a business case, the costs and benefits to the organisation would need to be evaluated and compared.

It is clearly morally right that people should be employed fairly and without prejudice. Given that women are now entering the professions in equal numbers to men, what is surely important is to ensure that everyone has proper training and promotion opportunities.

Yours faithfully, JOHN HENDERSON Alton, Hampshire 5 January