Mothers of babies less likely to get the job

Published on Monday 25 February 2008 21:21

WOMEN are twice as likely to be turned down for a job if they have young children, a survey of Scottish employers has revealed.

The research, based on confidential interviews of 167 employers in Scotland, found women with children under five were the most disadvantaged, with many bosses refusing to take on those with family commitments.

Researchers at Napier University found some bosses were prepared to break the law and overlook a strong candidate because they assumed a mother would need time off to look after young children.

Employers admitted that women with young children were seen as a hazard. The study found that such mothers were seen as a huge gamble, staff who would not be flexible, and as a result were 56 times less likely to get the job.