Fair Work for Young Mothers | Research Launch

Discover new research exploring the barriers young mothers face in accessing and sustaining fair employment, and what needs to change.
About this Event

Join Close the Gap and Save the Children Scotland for the launch of our new research report exploring young mothers’ labour market experiences in Scotland.

Young mothers in Scotland are ambitious, capable, and determined: they are raising children, building futures, and participating in paid work or learning, while navigating systems that limit their potential, choices, and opportunities by failing to recognise or support them.

Evidence shows that young mothers (aged 16-25) are among the most marginalised in the labour market. They’re less likely to be paid the Real Living Wage, more likely to be in part-time, insecure work, and more vulnerable to income volatility.

Driven by lived experience, this partnership project seeks to understand and address the barriers young mothers face in accessing and sustaining fair employment, with the aim to improve job quality, reduce in-work poverty and influence meaningful change for them.

The event will feature a presentation of findings and recommendations, along with keynote speech from The Lord Provost of Glasgow, and a panel discussion with experts from One Parent Families Scotland, The Fair Work Convention, and Scottish Women's Aid.

We’re also excited to launch a campaign developed by young mothers to support and empower other young mothers in raising awareness of their employment rights.

Together, we’ll explore how changes to policy and employer practice can deliver workplaces that are fair for young mothers.

We’re delighted to be supported by The Robertson Trust, who have awarded funding under their Work Pathways theme to enable this work.

Notes:

Accessibility & Support

• The event will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL. Delegates can arrive from 9.30am onwards for registration, and the event will start at 10am and end at 1pm.

• The Radisson Blu is located directly opposite Glasgow Central Station and is also close to St Enoch Subway Station and Buchanan Bus Station, with various bus stops also nearby.

• The venue is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with toilets with baby changing facilities located on ground floor and the same level as the event.

• The event is located on the first floor, which can be accessed by lifts or stairs.

• Staff will be available on the day to provide support and assistance if required.

• Comfort breaks are built into the programme.

• Refreshments and pastries will be provided on arrival, with lunch provided following the event.

Please let us know of any additional access needs when you register and we’ll do everything we can to support you.

Agenda

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and refreshments
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome and introductions
Host: Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:20 AM
Keynote speaker
Host: Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, Glasgow City Council
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
Presentation of research findings & recommendations, Q&A
Host: Naomi Taylor, Project Manager, Close the Gap
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:15 AM
Speech
Host: Claire Telfer, Head of Scotland, Save the Children UK
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:25 AM
Comfort break
🕑: 11:25 AM - 12:15 PM
Panel discussion

Info: Satwat Rehman (One Parent Families Scotland), Marsha Scott (Scottish Women’s Aid), Helen Martin (The Fair Work Convention).

🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Awareness-raising campaign launch (TBC)
Host: Research and Campaign Advisers
🕑: 01:00 PM
Closing remarks and lunch
Host: Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap