Work has started on the write up of the Consortium’s next research paper on Women, Skills and Barriers to Work. This follows a series of focus groups with women to discuss the issues around skills and the barriers they faced taking part in training and getting back to work. Unfortunately the writing work on the research paper has been delayed due to the volume of consultations ongoing.
During the course of the research Siobhán has spoken to 55 women and women reported the following barriers to learning and work:
- Sickness/disability
- Childcare
- Need for education/training
- Unpaid Care responsibilities
- Lack of confidence
- Lack of flexible working
- Fear of losing benefits/being worse off in work
- Transport
- Not enough suitable jobs in the area
The vast majority of the women reported that they preferred to do training/courses at their local Women’s Centre and talked about how the Women’s Centres were more comfortable and relaxed places for them to learn. Women also discussed the need for more funding and opportunities for courses/skills development beyond those offered for 18-24 year olds.
The current plan is to launch the research in November 2024.
