Latest news: Jobless female numbers grow

Women are worse off than their male counterparts in the wake of public sector redundancies, union leaders have warned. 14/03/2011

Female unemployment has risen by 71,000 whilst the male rate has fallen by 31,000 over the last year, according to figures from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The unemployment rate for women is now at the worst levels since 1988, with job losses in Whitehall, schools and hospitals expected to further increase the problem.

‘The UK desperately needs an economic strategy that prioritises growth and jobs to bring revenues in and the deficit down. The current plan of deep, rapid cuts is causing job losses to mount and sending our economy in the wrong direction,’ said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

In some parts of the country, as many as one in five women aged 16 to 24 are currently unemployed, according to TUC analysis of Labour Force Survey statistics from July to September 2010.

The worst-hit areas are Merseyside, where female unemployment has grown by 11%, the West Midlands (10%) and Yorkshire (9%).

The rise in female unemployment comes at a time when jobs in traditionally female sectors continue to struggle during the recession, with job numbers in retail, education and health and social work all decreasing.

‘Women worried about losing their jobs or vital public services in the cuts should join at least 100,000 people coming from all parts of the country – including public sector workers, faith groups, community organisations, volunteers, campaigners and families – on the TUC’s March for the Alternative on Saturday 26th March in London,’ urged Mr Barber.

To make yourself more employable, build your CV up with work experience and internships.