With polling stations now closed we’ve taken a look at the response of our everywoman in Business Election Survey, and it reveals some interesting findings. Most notable is the fact that this election will be a closely fought battle, based around what the parties’ policies are around the economy and supporting our respondents businesses.
Questions are raised as to whether women in business and female employees are given enough focus. One hundred per cent of those who filled in the survey were women, and 65% were business owners.
When asked which political party would best support their business Labour came out slightly on top (35%), closely followed by the Conservatives (30%). Liberal Democrats clearly have some work to do to convince our respondents (17%). When asked for their reasons, Tory supporters were more vocal, highlighting they’d “rather have a party that was genuine about small business than lip service to female voters” which had a “policy to make businesses in UK on the list of government trade”. Labour supporters commented that the party were focused on “keeping the RDA structure” and felt the Tories “seem to know lots about big business and the finance sector, but I don’t see any evidence that they know much about small business”.
Lib Dem voters did not comment in this category, but those who were undecided, or decided that weren’t voting for any of the above, commented that they were “not sure that anyone is actually thinking about us…women (are) generally seen as mothers or pensioners”. One respondent stated; “My business depends on contracts with the public sector. I’m very worried that in the slashing and burning mentioned everywhere, no one’s thinking about the small private sector contractors and consultants who depend on this income!” Another was undecided, but felt weary of the Tories; “A reduction in red tape would benefit all business owners but I doubt the Conservatives would do anything specifically to help women, which Labour and the Lib Dems might.”
We asked our respondents what the key issues were for them when voting in this General Election. Unsurprisingly the economy was top of the list (83%). Importantly, 48% stated that the effects on their businesses played a major role in deciding who they voted for. Family (39%) and personal finances (35%) also had a significant impact. Interestingly no one felt national defence was a key issue, and one commented that whoever took control of the government could “save a fortune, scrap Trident”.
When asked which party would best support women employees in organisations and corporations, the results were very tight – Labour and Tories both scored 26%, with Lib Dems close behind on 22%. Significantly 17% of respondents felt none of the above did enough to support female employees. “I just don’t think they care at all about women in organisations” was one vocal response. Another was “interested to know whether anyone is actually advocating more women on boards, looking at how not to make motherhood a penalty and how to actually get the most out of mothers and carers for what they can do rather than always overlook them or view them as uncommitted for the time that they can’t be there.”
A Labour supporter felt the party had “raised this issue so it’s now higher up the agenda”, while another respondent felt the Lib Dems had a clear focus on maternity and paternity. A Tory supporter noted “It is better to have a job than no job but great benefits”, while a none-of-the-above respondent praised the Green Party in respect to female employees; “I wouldn’t vote for them, but their policies are the most progressive around the real barriers women face.”
Overall, 52% of respondents claimed they will change who they vote for this year compared to the last General Election; everyone who completed the survey intended to vote.
What are your views? Are you voting for change? Join our Election discussion, and comment as the General Election results become apparent, or tweet using the hashtag #everywomaninbusiness
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