What the experts say

Sandra Smith IS director at Toshiba UK

‘Companies should be more sensitive to mums and dads, and they should be prepared to map out a career plan that takes the commitments of parenthood into account, maybe redefining the job description, responsibilities and hours over a certain period of time. This would really show parents in IT that the company respects and supports their life choices as well as their career. The extra commitment you can win from someone by being understanding and being flexible about their situation can pay dividends in terms of staff retention, effort and flexibility.’

Hina Patel Group head of business systems at GCap Media

‘It’s important to be able to offer working mums shorter days or the opportunity to work around their children’s needs. I know that a lot of companies are promoting the opportunity to work from home, and I think something like that for working mothers would be great because it would keep women in IT and let them have a family life.’

Robert Chapman Founder and chief executive of The Training Camp

‘If you believe the clichés, women’s inherent empathetic characteristics are well suited to IT management. But many men in the top IT positions hide the benefits of working in IT from women. The IT industry isn’t inventive enough when it comes to how it appeals to women, and I believe the technology sector can be a good place for working mothers. Employers should be more flexible when it comes to how they recruit and train.’

Jenny Watson Acting chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission

‘Government needs to continue to make parents of young children more aware of their right to request flexible working – and encourage businesses to respond positively to these requests. We would also like to see government extend the right to request flexible working to parents of older children and to people with caring responsibilities. This will ensure that flexible working becomes more widespread, and will help to bridge the skills gap.’

Maggie Berry UK communications director of Women in technology

‘If companies want a retained skill base they need to look towards providing child care facilities in the office, and flexible working technology in the home. It’s definitely something that needs to be looked at.'