Co-op boss Jo Whitfield takes break to help teenage sons with exams

[olderthanilookapparently]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60328314

I think this is a really positive message - its only by people who make decisions like this that pave the way for other people to ask for flexible working in my opinion

In an internal interview last week I pointed out that I could add diversity to the team all of whom are men at the moment. I probably didn't do my self any favours with the 2 men interviewing me however I felt like I had to 'stick up' for working women and I am glad I did

@WhiteCatmas

This is the bitchiest thread I have read in a long time. Women can’t do anything right.

I agree she's trying to do something right and there is so much negativity. If there are not parents from all areas of life making flexible work decisions is harder for everyone

I agree she's trying to do something right

By taking 2 months off after their exams?

@Boood

It’s not a positive story at all! It says, even when you’re a Chief Executive, if you’re female you have to be prepared to drop it all to “support” your children while they do exams. How much pressure is this now going to put on other women to do the same?

Also, I don’t think it’s at all healthy that GCSEs are considered to be of such life-shattering importance that kids taking them need their mum on hand all day. At 16-18 they should be becoming more independent, not less. I’m unsure whether it’s putting far too much pressure on them, or mollycoddling, but again, I don’t think it’s a good thing.

I agree, why is it that GCSEs and Al Levels have got to a point where there's SO MUCH PRESSURE?

It's madness, and by encouraging people to take unpaid leave from work just perpetuates this madness.

And it's also another way to kick lower earners down...if they can't afford to be a SAHP to "support" their children through exams, are they "bad parents".

It's a privilege of wealth, send your kids to top schools, support them at home, all whilst bit having to worry about whether you can afford to feed your family this month.