Women less likely to be hired than men during pandemic

Women's job prospects were affected more than men's during the Covid-19 lockdown, it has been claimed.

The percentage of women being placed in new jobs fell to a low of 41.5 per cent in April before rising to 45.2 per cent in July, compared to an average figure of 45.6 per cent in 2019.

Women looking to work in the travel industry were particularly affected, with females accounting for just 31.1 per cent of all those placed in new UK travel jobs in May, compared to an average of 44.3 per cent last year.

In addition, the data from LinkedIn showed that almost two-thirds of women experienced increased levels of stress or anxiety during lockdown compared to just under half (48 per cent) of all men.

Females were also found to be ten per cent less confident than men in their ability to find or maintain a new job, while women were 67 per cent less confident than men about progressing their career and 133 per cent less confident about their chances of improving their financial situation in the next six months.

Speaking about the research, Janine Chamberlin, Director at LinkedIn, said that women were now facing "greater hurdles" in their career because of the virus.

She said: "Many women have had to juggle ever-increasing work commitments with heightened childcare and household responsibilities. The concern is that with greater demands on their time and higher levels of stress, working mothers may consider reducing their hours or leaving the workforce entirely.

"Employers have the opportunity to create more flexibility so that women do not have to choose between their children and their careers, and it is reassuring to see that this is top of mind for many business leaders today. Now is the time for organisations to consider flexible hours and remote working. These initiatives can go a long way in helping to retain women in the workforce."

Elsewhere, research from Kuoni last week showed that Brits are now looking to spend more than ever before on their honeymoon.

The average spend has jumped from £7,709 in 2019 to £8,247 in 2021, with the typical couple now booking their post-nuptial holiday 497 days in advance, compared to 354 days last year.

By Owen Mckeon