The Smart Works Unemployment Index

The Smart Works Unemployment Index is our award-winning annual report examining the experiences of unemployed women on their journey to getting the job.

We look into the specific barriers that women face during their job search and interview process as well as the impact that having a job has on women.

The Smart Works Unemployment Index is designed to offer unique, data-driven insight based on empathetic in-depth conversations we have with our clients. The process of securing a job is increasingly complex but by researching and publishing data on the issues facing unemployed women, we can help pave the way for progress.

The 2024 Report

Coming soon!

Read the full report

The 2023 Report

Launched at the House of Lords, the 2023 Smart Works Unemployment Index investigated the experiences women face when looking for work and the unfortunate reality that the conditions under which they seek work are deteriorating. The 2023 Index analysed 3,784 conversations with women supported by Smart Works throughout that year.

Although we hoped the 2023 report would bring some much-needed positive news about the recruitment landscape, sadly, this was not the case – one year on from the launch of the inaugural report we’ve observed a deterioration in the conditions under which women are seeking work

Read the full report

The 2023 Report

Launched at the House of Lords, the 2023 Smart Works Unemployment Index investigated the experiences women face when looking for work and the unfortunate reality that the conditions under which they seek work are deteriorating. The 2023 Index analysed 3,784 conversations with women supported by Smart Works throughout that year.
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Although we hoped the 2023 report would bring some much-needed positive news about the recruitment landscape, sadly, this was not the case – one year on from the launch of the inaugural report we’ve observed a deterioration in the conditions under which women are seeking work

Read the full report

Key stats

The 2022 Report

The inaugural Smart Works Unemployment Index analysed a three-month pilot study carried out at the end of 2022. Inspired by the stories of the women who walk through our doors every day, we wanted to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard and understood by those who have the power and means to create a better route to employment for women in the UK.

The inaugural study laid the groundwork for future iterations of the Index, highlighting the extensive barriers women face when seeking employment.

Read the full report

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The Smart Works Unemployment Index

Why we do > The Smart Works Unemployment Index