Women are 2.5 times more likely to work for a tech startup in London than their counterparts in the rest of the UK, according to new research revealed today.
A survey of more than 3700 working professionals across the whole of Britain, conducted by tech recruitment firm Mortimer Spinks, also showed that 40% of the country’s entire female tech workforce is employed in the capital.
Speaking about the findings, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he would like the sector to be open to all Londoners and expressed his desire to reverse the under-representation of women across the tech industry.
He added: “London Technology Week has shown how the capital is the most important tech hub in Europe with its vibrant mix of investors, talent and creativity. Although the sector is flourishing, it is vital that we actively encourage more girls to work in digital and tech to reverse the under-representation of women in this industry.
“Our current female tech pioneers are the role models for the next generation and as the father of two teenage girls, I want them to have the same opportunities and aspirations. I am determined to work hand-in-hand with individuals and employers like these to nurture more young female entrepreneurs that will contribute to London’s economic prosperity,” said the Mayor.
Recruiting more women
Additionally, research from Tech London Advocates, highlighted that approximately 1/3 of tech companies in London have formal schemes in place to recruit more women, compared to a 1/4 in the rest of the country.
Commenting on the findings, Russ Shaw founder of Tech London Advocates, said: “Technology’s gender problem is the industry’s guilty secret that we need to address. Despite a range of highly successful female founders and CEOs in London, senior roles and management teams at digital businesses have more of a ‘boy’s club’ factor. For a sector driven by the need for highly skilled and creative talent, failing to harness those currently under-represented makes bad business sense.”
“London Technology Week is an opportunity to celebrate the opportunities technology companies hold for all Londoners, cutting across age, gender, ethnicity and background. The private sector must come together to expand diversity initiatives and work with local communities to make technology careers accessible and attractive to everyone,” concluded Shaw.