No longer a single glass ceiling for working women

The concept of a single glass ceiling is an outdated model and no longer reflects the realities of modern working life for women, according to the results of a poll released by Ernst & Young. The survey of UK working women between the ages of 18 - 60, revealed that two thirds believe they faced multiple barriers throughout their careers, rather than just a single ceiling on entry to the boardroom.

Based on the results, Ernst & Young has identified four key barriers to career progression for today’s working women. These barriers are: age, lack of role models, motherhood, and qualifications and experience.

The professional services firm says that the barriers aren’t chronological and can be experienced at anytime; often several at once. While some aren’t exclusive to women, it believes it is clear from the research that employers need to provide better support to help women overcome them.

APA strongly opposes gender stereotypes and arcane working prejudices and actively encourages the enforcement of the Equal Pay Act (1970); not yet realised and perhaps the oldest remaining form of discrimination in the UK workplace.

Ernst & Young conclude: "British business is losing its best and brightest female talent from the pipeline before they have even had a chance to smash the glass ceiling. Professional women clearly experience it; that’s what they have told us.”

APA