TUC: Half of women working in football have experienced sexism at work

9 Nov 2016 01:44 PM

As recent polling showed that nearly half (46%) of women working in football have experienced sexism in the workplace, the TUC and Women in Football are joining forces this evening (Wednesday) to tackle sexism and sexual harassment in the sport and beyond.

The Women in Football research found:

These challenges for women working within the sport will be addressed at the evening seminar at the TUC’s headquarters in London.

It will kick off with a keynote speech from TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady, followed by a discussion chaired by Women in Football board member Jo Tongue.

The panel will include Prospect Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Head of Equalities Simone Pound, author of The Glass Wall Sue Unerman, former Everton FC, Liverpool FC and England goalkeeper Rachel Brown Finnis, and League Managers Association (LMA) Chief Executive Richard Bevan.

There will also be a free legal surgery run by Thompsons during the evening.

Huge Arsenal fan Frances O’Grady said: ”We need to do so much more to combat the sexism that disfigures football.

“Women remain under-represented in football’s key institutions, boards and committees, in the sport’s grassroots and in the media.

“We need to see women breaking through football’s glass ceiling and a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment in any workplace – with football taking the striking role.

“And the government could help by abolishing employment tribunal fees – nobody who has been harassed or discriminated against should have to pay up to £1,200 to enforce their basic rights at work.”

A Women in Football spokesperson said: “Our research shows worrying stats around sexism and sexual harassment in football. We are looking forward to coming together with the TUC, Prospect, the PFA and the LMA to discuss how we help women overcome the challenges faced working in the game.

“Our network aims to help women obliterate the glass ceiling – whilst also educating those who help keep the ceiling in place. We aim to improve women’s representation at all levels of the game by challenging discrimination and lobbying for change.

“We support the TUC in its quest to abolish employment tribunal fees and hope events like tonight will encourage more people to report inequality and support equality – and help show them how to do so.”

Anonymous quotes from the survey

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The TUC has also wants employers to take the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace seriously and to ensure robust policies and training are in place to protect staff.