Survey results on Older Women and Employment

Yesterday, I attended an inspirational conference organised by the Scottish Women's Convention. This provided a forum for discussion about the key findings of a survey in to older women and employment completed in March 2013.

The most significant barriers for older women entering, sustaining and progressing in employment are identified as:-

• Caring responsibilities
• Rate of pay and lack of opportunity to contribute to a pension scheme
• Limited flexible working
• Lack of training opportunities
• Age discrimination - perceptions of older women

There were several speakers at the conference including Miriam O'Reilly, Carol Fox and Sheila Kettles. The experience of older women in the media was highlighted with reference to Miriam O'Reilly's employment tribunal against the BBC. Following the winning of the case, Miriam set up the Women's Equality Network to offer advice and guidance for women faced with discrimination in the workplace.

Agnes Tolmie chaired the conference.

The suggested support needed for older women detailed in the survey include:-

• Recognising the impact of unpaid caring roles
• Improved flexible working opportunities
• On the job training and development
• Payment of a living wage 
• Information on impact of working hours and top-up benefits
• Health issues experienced by older people

Older women need resources and encouragement from employers, trade unions, government and wider society to be able to overcome the barriers they face in the workplace.

Useful link:

Scottish Women's Convention - http://www.scottishwomensconvention.org/

Women of worth - www.wow-a2z.com