Number of women in top management positions remains steady despite downturn

8 March 2010

PRESS RELEASE
Irish business women have maintained their positions in management roles despite cutbacks in the number of management positions available, according to a new survey.
 
The 2010 figures, compiled by accountancy firm Grant Thornton to mark International Women’s day (today), show that one in five management positions in SMEs in Ireland are held by women.
 
The percentage of women in senior management positions has remained steady despite a continuing reduction in the numbers required to manage organisations.
 
In 2004, there were on average ten people per SME in management positions,” said Jillian O’Sullivan, Partner with Grant Thornton.
 
Numbers of management positions have dropped sharply since 2004 with 2010 figures showing the average number of management positions down at  six per business.
 
“Numbers in management have continued to decrease in recent years,” said O’Sullivan.
 
“The cause of the reduction is a combination of more efficiencies at management level and, in more recent times, less business to manage.”
 
“Despite the reduction, the figures clearly show that the burden has been shared equally amongst males and females.”
 
ENDS