RIYADH(BullionStreet): Women in Saudi Arabia remained sidelined as far as employment opportunities in gold shops despite assurances by authorities.

Earlier last month Saudi Arabia's Labour ministry granted conditioned sanctions for women to work in gold shops and setting the Saudization rate for gold producers at 10 percent.

However, not a single shop owner in the Kingdom are willing to employ new women employees as they insists that working hours at gold shops doesn't suit women employees.

National Committee for Precious Metals and Gems appointed by the country's chamber of business has decided that women would not be allowed to work in the gold industry.

The Committee found that including women in the gold industry is not feasible, saying that it will limit the gold trade and even be "disastrous" for investments in the gold sector. It said the work nature at the gold workshops and factories is inappropriate for women.

However, they are ready to arrange working conditions to encourage Saudi men to find jobs in local gold shops. Meanwhile, the Ministry will start allowing women to work in accessories and abaya stores within six month.

The ministry is permitting part-time jobs for women in these stores. Working hours will be limited to four hours daily.

The Ministry asked shop owners to establish service centers in shopping centers to help create more vacancies for Saudi workers.