Support for Young Single Mothers

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Conference
2024 National Young Members' Conference
Date
31 July 2024
Decision
Carried

Conference believes that it is imperative that the union takes proactive steps to support and empower young single mothers in the workforce. The union should recognise the vital role that this group of workers play in the workforce and acknowledge the unique challenges they face.

The increasing number of young single mothers in various sectors highlight the need for specific policies and initiatives to ensure they are more active in the union, and that their well-being, job security, and professional growth is also looked after.

Conference applauds the union for its relentless campaigns on equal pay and several other campaigns to help workers fight for fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond.

However, to engage women who are young single mothers, there is need to:

a. Ensure that young single mothers are adequately represented in union leadership and decision-making bodies.

b. Establish targeted training programs that equip young single mothers with skills and qualifications necessary for union leadership and career advancement.

c. Continue to promote flexible working arrangements, including homeworking options and part-time positions, to help young single mothers balance work and family responsibilities.

It is beneficial to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for young single mothers, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive both personally and professionally. This will not only benefit young single mothers but also contribute to a more equitable and resilient union and workforce.

Conference calls on the National Young Members’ Forum to work with the National Women’s Committee to:

1. Continue to advocate for and promote flexible working and work-life balance

2. Consider setting up support groups within the union to provide mentorship, counselling, and peer support for young single mothers

3. Improve the representation of young single mothers in UNISON’s leadership and decision-making structures.

4. Encourage branches and regions to make available information on how young people can have access to creche for their children or claim back the cost of childcare from their branches and regions when attending UNISON meetings and events to enable wider participation of young single parents.