A study from the University of Sheffield into the problems faced by women when trying to return to work has revealed that many of them are not achieving their earning potential. The research shows that although ëwomen returnersí are often eager to increase their participation in work, the majority find themselves in unfulfilling jobs with low wages and poor prospects.
The report, written by researchers from the University of Sheffieldís Institute of Work Psychology and commissioned by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) is based on a nationwide survey of 280 women and 40 employers. It found that many ëwomen returnersí find themselves in administrative or sales roles which provide them with the flexibility to manage their work and childcare commitments. However, the authors argue that for many women, these are not their ideal jobs. Instead, many would rather work in higher paying, and more motivating occupations ñ factors more commonly found in ëtraditionally maleí roles.
The study highlighted several factors which may cause women to underachieve when returning to work. The nature of advice and information that women receive can reinforce occupational segregation, and such support is currently directed at specific groups such as lone parents and graduates, rather than being provided on a general basis. Employersí attitudes also contribute, especially in traditionally male sectors where flexible working practices are less common.
In order to deal with the problem of occupational segregation, the report recommends substantial changes to information and guidance services, the development of accessible re-training schemes and initiatives to encourage employers to adopt flexible working practices and increase their recruitment of ëwomen returners.í The report emphasises that such changes could help solve skill shortages in the many sectors where women are currently under represented, and that opening up such occupations to women can help stabilise the workforce, and retain valuable skilled talent ñ benefiting the employee and employer as well as the UK economy in general.
Chris Turgoose, co-author of the report and member of the University of Sheffieldís Institute of Work Psychology, said: ìWe already know that three-fifths of women in the UK are employed in just ten occupations, while at the same time there are huge skill shortages in numerous sectors where women are not usually employed. Our report shows that few consider ëmale jobsí appealing in the current climate, those that do are held back by prevailing attitudes, lack of flexible working practices, and patchy provision of advice and information services.
ìOur research has shown that much can be done to rectify this situation and that government and key agencies have a crucial role to play in changing the attitudes of employers and women so that more people are able to fulfil their full potential. These changes would bring enormous benefits for employers and the economy as well as give many more women the chance to do the work they enjoy and aspire to.î
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Helping mothers get back to work
A study from the University of Sheffield into the problems faced by women when trying to return to work has revealed that many of them are not achieving their earning potential
