A recent survey highlights significant safety concerns for women commuting in the dark in the UK.
- 1 in 3 women feel unsafe, with 85% willing to change their commuting patterns for daylight travel.
- 88% believe companies should enhance flexible work options for safer commuting.
- Women in Greater London and the North East feel most vulnerable.
- Industry-specific responses show significant worry, particularly in sales and legal sectors.
A new survey by Remote reveals that 85% of UK women would alter their commuting patterns to travel during daylight. This stems from safety concerns as winter brings early sunsets, leaving many to travel in the dark. Enhanced flexible work measures are seen as a solution, empowering women to commute more safely.
Alarmingly, 47% of women feel ‘uneasy’ commuting in the dark, with 44% feeling anxious and 40% vulnerable. The intensity of unease varies with age, with younger women, particularly those aged 16-24, expressing heightened fear and vulnerability. This demographic reported a higher incidence of harassment, underscoring their concern.
In Greater London and the North East, 42% of women report feeling unsafe, with notable anxieties also in Nottingham, Bristol, and Plymouth. The correlation between high-profile incidents and these feelings cannot be ignored. A significant majority across Wales, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland advocate for companies to offer enhanced flexible work policies during winter.
Industry responses show varied levels of concern. In sales, media, and marketing, 56% reported feeling worried, while in legal sectors, the worry was mirrored, highlighting a potential need for policy changes. Retail, catering, and leisure sectors also showed significant anxiety among workers. A unified call for flexible work options is evident across these industries.
Remote’s Nadia Vatalidis highlights the pressing need for flexible work policies, stating that they can place all employees on an equal playing field, promoting personal safety. The survey urges employers to assess and possibly reform their working culture to accommodate these needs, supporting safe commuting for all.
Flexible work options are crucial for enhancing safety and comfort for UK women commuting during winter.
