Young Women’s Manifesto
Young women aren’t getting a fair deal. 50% of them have faced discrimination in the workplace. Employers agree, 34% of HR decision makers are aware of young women being discriminated against.
We asked Young Women what they need. Their manifesto demonstrates what they need for equal opportunities, success, and progress. Employers, policymakers, managers, and colleagues must use their power to make a change. Will you listen and help create an equal world of work?
Here are the 5 areas of focus that can make the biggest impact on young women’s lives:
Fair and equal pay
Young women earn, on average, £4000 less per year than young men of the same age. We can make things fair and ensure that young women receive the same pay we deserve. Being open about salaries, taking action to address pay differences, and creating a labour market that values women’s work can achieve this.
No barriers to work
Everyone should be paid fairly for jobs traditionally associated with women, such as social care and retail. We should also have a National Living Wage that applies to everyone, regardless of age. Even if you’re under 21, your living costs are still high. It’s unfair for younger people to earn less for the same work.
Support to progress
Young women face a “broken rung” on the ladder, leading to slower progress and more low-paid jobs. To solve this, we need fair progression processes and support for young women’s development. We must also take action to prevent young women being disadvantaged by having caring responsibilities or working part-time.
Job security
Young women are more likely to be in insecure work and offered zero hours contracts than men of the same age. Young women often end up in unstable jobs without enough hours or predictable schedules because they have to be flexible. To address this, we can limit zero hours contracts, give advance notice of shifts, and provide compensation for last minute cancellations.
Action against discrimination
Discrimination can greatly affect a young woman’s future during this important time in her working life. To rebalance power, we can create better reporting, challenge discrimination, and support those facing it.