Smart Works Unemployment Index

Yesterday, we have launched the Smart Works Unemployment Index 2024. The study, which was recently awarded Most Powerful Research Using Insight by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, makes some clear and simple recommendations to society, highlighting a need for more transparency and compassion in the recruitment process, reimbursement for interview travel, tightening of regulations surrounding recruitment, and collaboration between charities and organisations supporting unemployed women into work.

Over the course of last year, Smart Works spoke to 4,912 women across the UK about their experiences of unemployment, the job market, and the hardships faced when trying to find a job.

‘Rejection after rejection, after no replies, your confidence is just totally rock." - Smart Works Client

Now in its third year, the research concluded that the state of the job market deteriorated significantly throughout 2024. The hardships and barriers experienced by women seeking work have worsened beyond what the staff and volunteers at Smart Works could have imagined.

The Smart Works service is a part of the solution. Through our impactful dressing and coaching service, we not only play a part a part in alleviating the pressures faced by unemployed women all across the UK, but provide a model for the future. We have supported over 45,000 women to date and will reach another 10,000 in 2025.

Through this report, we tell you the stories of thousands of women we meet each year. We tell you the barriers they have faced, the impact on their lives, and how you can help make it easier for women to find work and succeed in their job interviews.

Together, we can make a change. Together, we can help women find work and change the trajectory of their lives.

Read the full report here Smart Works - The Smart Works Unemployment Index