Survey by Telford firm ahead of International Women’s Day

Nearly seven in 10 female business leaders in the UK continue to experience gender-based discrimination at work, according to new research released ahead of International Women’s Day this Sunday.

The survey of 101 senior women, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, based in Telford, found 70% of respondents do not feel safe at work. 

The most commonly cited concerns were personal security such as lone working (36%), inadequate protection from bullying and harassment (34%), and physical safety (31%).

Gayle Parker, Commercial Director at MyWorkwear, said: “Workplace equality isn’t just about pay. It’s about safety, inclusion and ensuring women feel safe when they go to and return from work. Firms need to take action to turn this worrying trend around.”

Workwear a wider symbol of inclusion

Equal pay was ranked the top factor in feeling like an equal team member, followed by training and career progression opportunities. 

Parker added: “Ill-fitting PPE and workwear might seem minor, but it sends a wider message about whether women are fully considered in workplace planning.”

A striking 62% of women said they had been expected to wear men’s or unisex-fit items at some point. 

On a more positive note, 75% said their employer now provides women’s-fit options as standard.