Women need more help to return to engineering

The science union Prospect has called on the government and employers to do more to remove the barriers for women who want to return to jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A Prospect survey has found that the cost of childcare and inflexible working hours are the main barriers to a return to work for women after taking time out for maternity or other reasons.

Sue Ferns, Prospect’s head of communications and research, said: “Our survey found that those who want to return to work need: training; work experience and refresher courses; support from professional organisations; training on the job; flexible working and sharing and support from colleagues.”

Prospect has called on employers to work closely with unions to create a framework to address these needs.

“Our best employers know that good working partnerships with unions bring benefits to both sides,” Ferns said.

www.prospect.org.uk/news/id/2014/June/27/Prospect-call-STEM-jobs-00893