Recession could see women become main bread winners

Women will become the main earner in households, according to two in five respondents to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey.

The global survey, 'Women's Recession', highlights that 40% of those surveyed believed women's roles would change to become the main earner post-recession, as well as 73% believing the downturn will provide an opportunity for women to leave the corporate life.

As redundancies take their toll in the city, the latest report by the Big Four firm shows that women who are made redundant are more likely to see it as an opportunity for a 'fresh start' and venture into more entrepreneurial work.

Sarah Churchman, a director of diversity at PwC said: 'It’s no surprise that women turn to their entrepreneurial side in a recession and see opportunities for a new start or role after years of corporate life.'

'However, the by-product of the recession could be to stall or reverse the sector’s gender diversity progress and investment, short changing the UK economy’s recovery by removing or alienating a generation of female talent' she added.

The survey also found that one in three respondents said women's role as primary carers will have changed after the recession and that over half (60%) believe the downturn will reinforce the glass ceiling, making it more difficult for women to progress up the corporate ladder.

Further reading:

Male chartered accountants earn more than females