Mum's the word for SMEs
Oct 23 2008
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An increase in mothers returning to work due to the recession could represent a cost-saving opportunity for small businesses, says an employment site.
Mandy Garner, spokesperson for WorkingMums.co.uk, tells Smallbusiness.co.uk: ‘The benefits to small businesses are particularly obvious as the shift in more mothers returning to work represents an opportunity to employ skilled workers and save money through flexible working patterns.’
Garner adds that in the current climate an emphasis on cost-reduction is particularly important, with employers being in a position to reduce their overheads as more mums seek part-time hours.
This follows a report conducted by the site revealing that 79 per cent of 505 mothers surveyed want to return to work or increase their hours due to the credit crunch.
Comment by sasha o\\\'mahony
Tuesday 28th October 2008I can wholeheartedly agree with this - I have just recruited an accountant through flexibleskillsbank.co.uk. I wanted someone with experience, but as a small business of only 4 staff, was reluctant to pay a 39 hour week salary. She's working 20 hours part time, which has cut my salary overheads. I'll certainly be recruiting more mothers in future & I can recommend other small businesses to do the same.
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Comment by judy shardlow
Friday 6th February 2009What worries me about this comment is the implication that businesses can save money by employing women who want to work flexibly and therefore can pay them less, the old part time equals peanuts equation. We must resist the expectation that salary level is affected by flexibility, it is not. If you want skilled employees in the workplace you need to pay an appropriate level salary, whether they are full time or part time employees, male or female. Women, particularly returners have to recognise that they can be seen as a 'soft touch' in the employment market, i.e. high levels of skills and experience but with a tendancy to undervalue their skills and an accurate salary level. Believe me men do not do this.
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