3 out of 4 women face barriers to top-level promotion in UK

LONDON - A survey has suggested that nearly three quarters of women in Britain still face barriers when it comes to getting top-level promotions.

The research for the Institute of Leadership and Management showed of the nearly 3,000 managers questioned, 73 percent of women agreed that the glass ceiling still exists, whereas only 38 percent of men did.

The report, which comes ahead of Lord Davies’ report on boardroom gender equality due later this week, showed some 47 percent of women - but only 24 percent of men - backed quotas for female executives.

Views on positive discrimination were even more polarised among the over 45s, but “positive action” to boost the role of women met with broader support, backed by 62 percent of women and 42 percent of men.

“Quotas may be seen as the quickest solution, and some countries - notably Norway - have introduced them with some success,” the BBC quoted Penny de Valk, the Institute’s chief executive, as saying.

“However, although they drive compliance, they do not necessarily drive a commitment to the more fundamental changes that are required,” she stated.

Early indications suggest that the Lord Davies’ report to the government will set a two-year timeframe for UK companies to increase the number of women on their boards.

The survey also suggested that besides the perceived discrimination, lower confidence and career ambition may also be holding women back.

The survey of the Institute’s members conducted last December and January showed women also seemed to be more risk averse, taking a more cautious approach to seeking promotion. (ANI)