Leading UK women’s charity Smart Works have revealed that for women, the job market is in its worst condition since the end of the pandemic. The Smart Works Unemployment Index, recently awarded Most Powerful Research Using Insight by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, reflects conversations with 4,912 unemployed women from across the UK and confirms women are currently the least likely to secure work than they have been in three years.
The job market deteriorated significantly throughout 2024, with survey respondents citing challenges such as overly demanding application processes, increased use of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process, and a highly competitive job market. In exploring the barriers women face when seeking employment, the report highlights the damaging effect these challenges have on their lives and those of their loved ones – both financially and psychologically.
Of the women in this sample, 664 were based in Birmingham, West Midlands.
The average age of the women going through the Birmingham Centre was 34, with 73% coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, 50% being parents and 11% identifying as having a disability. Clients in Birmingham were applying to an average of 35 jobs without successfully finding work, 33% of which were Health and Social Care positions – making it the most sought-after sector in Birmingham.
The impact of the application process on women’s confidence was detrimental – the majority reported feeling less confident after experiencing the job application process, with over 51% feeling their confidence had decreased significantly.
In response to its findings, the report highlights clear recommendations to society, providing simple methods to help make the job market more accessible to women. It highlights a need for more transparency and compassion, reimbursement for interview travel, tightening of regulations surrounding recruitment, and collaboration between charities and organisations supporting unemployed women into work.
In publishing this report, Smart Works is asking everyone to play their part to help women find work and change the trajectory of their lives. Women have significant potential to succeed, and the Smart Works service has the ability to help them tap into this potential and transform their lives. After using Smart Works Birmingham’s interview dressing and coaching service, 68% of the sample secured a job within a month of their appointment. 97% of Smart Works clients feel more confident in their new interview outfit and 95% feel they can answer interview questions more effectively.
