It is a depressing fact that although women are 51% of the population only 16% of the current rail workforce is female; this figure falls to a shocking 6.5% amongst train drivers.
A recent report into railway recruitment, ‘Back on Track’, noted that 43% of women rated flexible working opportunities as one of the top three things they look for in a job.
The unions need to push employers to allow more part time and flexible working as part of a broader campaign to reduce the gender gap in our industry.