More than three-quarters (84%) of female respondents who work in the healthcare sector have never asked for a pay rise compared to 71% of male respondents, according to research by Randstad Care.
Its Assessing the lack of senior opportunities for women in nursing report, which surveyed 486 UK healthcare professionals, also found that 19% of female respondents are too worried about their boss’s reaction to ask for a pay rise, and 18% are concerned about having to justify themselves.
The research also found:
- Almost a quarter (23%) of female respondents cite fear of being turned down as the reason for not asking for a pay increase, and 23% worry about how colleagues will perceive them.
- 45% of respondents believe not enough is being done to get women into senior healthcare jobs.
- Nearly a quarter (23%) of female respondents believe their employer's attitude holds them back in the workplace.
- 36% of respondents still feel that a glass ceiling exists for women.
Victoria Short, managing director at Randstad Care, said: “The NHS needs to continue its work to ensure women are treated equally and fairly and that they no longer suffer career setbacks because of the ‘motherhood’ penalty. NHS trusts must also reassess the flexible working and childcare options they offer employees in order to support women who return to work after maternity leave.
“Given that 45% of healthcare professionals believe not enough is being done to get women into the top jobs and cite employer attitudes as a major reason holding women back, the NHS also needs to look at how women are supported and trained at all levels.”
