Read on Twitter
Starting soon...our latest Ask the Expert in partnership with @UKRI_News, discussing #COVID19 and the gendered economic impact of the pandemic. Follow along to this LIVE THREAD here
#SMFask
SMF Director @jameskirkup gets us underway and introduces our panel for today!
Prof Barbara Petrongolo, Oxford & LSE
Matthew Percival, CBI
Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan @NickyMorgan01
Prof Barbara Petrongolo, Oxford & LSE Matthew Percival, CBI Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan @NickyMorgan01
First up, Prof Barbara Petrongolo highlights that women are over-represented in both services, "critical sectors" and occupations which can be performed from home.
Women are also more heavily involved in childcare: pre-COVID, women did 16hrs childcare vs 8hrs done by fathers.
Women are also more heavily involved in childcare: pre-COVID, women did 16hrs childcare vs 8hrs done by fathers.
In terms of data, researchers have had ad hoc surveys throughout the pandemic and more recently larger data sets like @usociety providing a richer picture of gendered impact of the pandemic.
What has been the differential impact between women & men during #COVID?
- Men were more likely to have been furloughed or lost hours
- BUT women were overrepresented in "critical sectors" and work from home settings. Controlling for these factors is key to a true picture.
- Men were more likely to have been furloughed or lost hours
- BUT women were overrepresented in "critical sectors" and work from home settings. Controlling for these factors is key to a true picture.
Overall amount of childcare done per week has increased from 25 to 43 hours per week, Prof Petrongolo highlights.
But a major transformation in distribution of this childcare has taken place during the pandemic.
Huge increase in number of fathers being the main carer.
But a major transformation in distribution of this childcare has taken place during the pandemic.
Huge increase in number of fathers being the main carer.
What about the long-term picture?
We have seen a reversal of traditional gender norms in a sizeable number of households. Smart/home working and changes to employment could incubate changing gender norms.
We have seen a reversal of traditional gender norms in a sizeable number of households. Smart/home working and changes to employment could incubate changing gender norms.
"A great humanising of workplaces" has taken place during #CovidUK @CBItweets Matthew Percival says
After the 2008 crisis, inclusion slipped down the agenda. This crisis, for reasons ranging from changing family life to death of George Floyd - means inclusion won't be sidelined.
After the 2008 crisis, inclusion slipped down the agenda. This crisis, for reasons ranging from changing family life to death of George Floyd - means inclusion won't be sidelined.
On gender pay gaps, Matthew Percival says firms must feel confident to look back having paused pay gap reporting and publish despite possible lack of progress.
No one wanted a crisis to have to force considerations about working life but Matthew Percival highlights remote working as the "big shift"...
"Availability of flexible working is driving women to particular sectors" when childcare or family considerations are key.
"Availability of flexible working is driving women to particular sectors" when childcare or family considerations are key.
New @CBI & @IpsosMORI research finds that nearly 50% of businesses see a split between office & home working in 2021. Just 8% said the same in 2019.
Hybrid working needs a framework which can support a more balanced distribution of family life, Matthew Percival says.
Hybrid working needs a framework which can support a more balanced distribution of family life, Matthew Percival says.
Former Women & Equalities Minister @NickyMorgan01 says HM Treasury will need to start to consider investing in childcare and flexible working support as infrastructure investment.
SMF Director @jameskirkup asks: "are questions of gender inequality treated as an afterthought in policy?"
Baroness Nicky Morgan says policymakers must guard against unconscious bias and understand the huge variety of experiences of the pandemic.
Baroness Nicky Morgan says policymakers must guard against unconscious bias and understand the huge variety of experiences of the pandemic.
Why is childcare not made a bigger priority in policy, @jameskirkup asks - will men's experience of childcare during the pandemic force the issue up the agenda?
@NickyMorgan01 says childcare has fallen back as an issue. But families may have a chance to redefine roles and norms
@NickyMorgan01 says childcare has fallen back as an issue. But families may have a chance to redefine roles and norms
Barbara Petrongolo says we must be wary that the significant increase in women's childcare hours during the crisis could have lasting consequences, not least for pay.
Matthew Percival highlights that #COVID has led to an increase in one parent providing the bulk of childcare.
Matthew Percival highlights that #COVID has led to an increase in one parent providing the bulk of childcare.
