Sexism remains entrenched in British businesses and, not surprisingly, female bosses are as few and far between as ever. New research from the Independent reveals that only five FTSE 100 companies have women chief executives, and more than one in five firms can’t muster a single woman at their board table. In only three do women number more than a third of directors. Not one firm has a 50:50 gender split.
In the light of another survey from headhunters InterExec, this lamentable state of affairs should come as no surprise. The poll found that 53% of employers looking to fill positions worth £150,000 and above think such roles are incompatible with career breaks, an attitude that precludes the appointment of would-be mothers.
However, experts in the field doubt that the lack of female role models will damage the career prospects of PAs. ‘I’m not sure that it has a major impact,’ says Veronica Wint, managing consultant at Crone Corkill.
‘There is a misconception that women understand other women better, but it isn’t necessarily true.’
Ms Wint thinks some PAs could be spurred on by the prospect of being one of the few women at the top. ‘If they’re really ambitious, it will make them even more determined to succeed in their career.’