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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 6 November December |
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Occupational segregation
Occupational segregation has restricted the job opportunities for young women over many years, according to youth activist Sarah France.
"Careers are mapped out at school with girls and boys still steered in different directions," said the 23 year-old Co-op worker. "Cashiering, caring, cleaning, clerical and catering jobs are usually allocated to young women.
"These stereotypical jobs bring with them stereotypical attitudes such as: 'They'll soon leave to have babies', 'they're touchy/moody', 'they don't take work seriously', or 'they're not up to the job they don't have the experience'.
"Young women are more likely to experience violence at work than young men. They are also vulnerable to sexual harassment and poverty pay.
"Many young people don't see the relevance of trade unions, are vulnerable to exploitation, and don't know their employment rights. As union activists we need to recruit young workers - if we don't, we may lose the young members we already have.
"Usdaw has one of the highest percentages of young workers in membership than in any other union in the UK, but with 250,000 young people working in retail alone the potential is even greater."
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