2023 was a ‘bleak’ year for women seeking employment, reveals charity report

A report published by UK women’s charity, Smart Works, has revealed that the circumstances under which women are seeking work has deteriorated. The Smart Works Unemployment Index, launching today, reflects conversations with over 3,700 women from across the UK and confirms that the vast majority found that it has been much harder to find work in the last 12 months.

432 number of clients in the sample were supported by Smart Works Greater Manchester.

2023 was a bleak year for women looking for work, with respondents citing challenges such as overly demanding application processes, unclear job descriptions, and a more competitive recruitment market, with the cost-of-living crisis leaving many desperate to find work. In exploring the barriers women face when seeking employment in today’s challenging recruitment landscape, the report highlights the damaging effect these challenges have on their lives and those of their loved ones – both financially, and psychologically.

Women in Greater Manchester reported applying for an average of 30 jobs, and 40% were out of work for over a year. On average, women reported spending 23 hours a week applying for jobs, but only attended 3 interviews, rarely receiving any feedback on why their applications were unsuccessful.

Overwhelmingly, the Index reported the detrimental effect of the cost-of-living crisis and the pressure it is creating for women, who are disproportionately affected, to accept ‘any’ job. 26% applied for lower paid and lower skilled work. Many reported the increasing competitiveness of the job market, as economic difficulties leave many ‘desperate for work’ and applying for roles they feel overqualified for.

The effect of the application process on their confidence was undeniable – over half (57%) reported feeling less confident afterwards.

Despite these circumstances, women remain determined. For 27% of women, their primary motivator to secure work was to gain a ‘sense of purpose and identity’. The second biggest motivator was financial security, which is even more critical in this cost-of-living crisis. All the women in this study came to Smart Works ahead of an upcoming job interview, and after using the charity’s dressing and coaching service, 62% have since secured a job. These women have significant potential and determination to succeed, and the Smart Works service has the ability to help them tap into this potential and transform their lives.

In the context of an increasingly competitive and demanding job market, the importance of woman as one of the greatest assets in our economy couldn’t be stressed more. The report highlights some clear recommendations to employers, providing simple methods to help make the job market more accessible to women:
– Clear job descriptions with salary, location and options for flexibility listed upfront.
– Offer to reimburse costs associated with applications.
– Regardless of salary and the qualifications expected, all roles should be advertised where unemployed people will see them.
– Provide useful and objective feedback to unsuccessful job applicants.

Jan Iceton, Chair of Smart Works Greater Manchester:

The Index confirms what we already know supporting women here in Greater Manchester, that our wonderful clients are motivated to get a job to gain a sense of purpose and identity, and to secure financial security for themselves and for their family. We are delighted to have played our part in their journey through helping them build the skills and the self-confidence they need to succeed.

While our doors have been open to clients in Stockport for over 8 years, opening a second centre in Manchester last April has enabled us to more than double our capacity, and to provide far more convenient access by public transport for women living right across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester and in 2025 we will celebrate our 10th Anniversary.

If you would like to be part of this celebration and to support our continued growth and success, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

“I got everything I need, it’s like I won the lottery. People here so positive and encouraging, the loveliest care I’ve ever received. The most thankful moment in my life. The people who work here are doing an amazing job uplifting lives. I thoroughly enjoyed, learnt and I am ready to do the interview. This is beautiful on every step of the way for people who are struggling.” – Smart Works Greater Manchester client.

All of the women involved in the Smart Works Unemployment Index came to Smart Works for support while they were unemployed and awaiting an upcoming job interview. Our focus groups revealed that clients felt positively about the experiences they had at Smart Works, suggesting they had come away from their appointments with a newfound sense of empowerment. After visiting Smart Works, 95% feel more confident having received an interview outfit, 91% feel clearer about their own skills and experiences, and 95% feel confident to succeed in their next interview.

Smart Works created the Smart Works Unemployment Index with the desire to raise awareness of the challenges women face when looking for work and amplify the voices of the women it sees its centres every day.

Smart Works Greater Manchester is an independent, volunteer-led charity operating from two centres in Greater Manchester and is part of a wider network of 11 Smart Work’s across the UK, each supporting unemployed women to access employment through career coaching, styling guidance and one-to-one interview training.

Since opening in 2015, its two centres in Greater Manchester have supported 4,000 clients with job search and interview preparation services. Its clients across Greater Manchester are women from all backgrounds, with 33% lone parents, 46% ethnic minority and 17% identifying as having a disability. Smart Works helps to break down the barriers to employment that exist for these women and support, empower, and inspire them to succeed.