Partner Article

Glass replaced by concrete

Women no longer face a glass ceiling but rather a “reinforced concrete” one, according to results from a report into equality. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said there was a “worrying trend” of reversals in women gaining top jobs in the last year.

In 12 out of 25 job categories there are now fewer women in the best jobs. This includes fewer female MPs, cabinet members, senior police officers, judges and NHS executives.

“To say that things are changing for women at the top at a snail’s pace seems about right,” said the report.

In other job roles such as media bosses, MEPs and museum directors, the number of women stayed the same.

Women’s representation had increased in just eight areas, including the House of Lords and company directors. But in six of those areas the gains made by women amount to just 1%.

EHRC chief executive Nicola Brewer said: “We always speak of a glass ceiling. These figures reveal that in some cases it appears to be made of reinforced concrete. “We need radical change to support those who are doing great work and help those who want to work better and release talent.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .