Workplace Sexism Remains Rife for Millions of Women

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Recent research found that nearly two-thirds of women in the UK experience workplace sexism regularly, with common issues including being interrupted, assigned menial tasks, and having their authority undermined. These findings reveal persistent gender inequality and highlight the need for stronger measures to address sexism and promote equality in the workforce.

Sexism remains a prevalent issue in workplaces across the United Kingdom, affecting millions of women, according to recent research. Nearly two-thirds of women reported encountering workplace sexism regularly, with one in ten experiencing it daily, highlighting persistent challenges despite ongoing efforts toward gender equality.

The survey, which included 2,000 adults, revealed a stark contrast in perceptions between genders. While 62% of women acknowledged regular occurrences of sexism, 38% of men believed it is no longer a significant problem. Almost half of the women surveyed (44%) said they had personally faced sexism during their careers.

Common experiences of workplace sexism include being interrupted or talked over, reported by 38% of women. Additionally, 22% were asked to undertake paperwork outside their official roles, and 21% had been instructed to clean or tidy the workspace. Around one in five women reported being mistaken for an assistant or requested to make tea for senior colleagues, underscoring pervasive stereotypes about women’s roles in the workplace.

The survey also examined leadership representation, finding that women lead 24% of the UK’s 100 largest co-operatives, compared with just 10% of companies listed on the FTSE 100. Despite these figures, more than half of the women (58%) said their authority had been undermined on account of their gender, and nearly a quarter (23%) discovered male colleagues were paid more for performing equivalent work.

Incidents of sexism extend beyond direct victims; 51% of all respondents have witnessed workplace sexism. However, only 21% said they reported such instances to human resources or appropriate authorities, indicating potential barriers to addressing these issues effectively.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, which commissioned the research, emphasized the significance of the findings. She remarked, “That two-thirds of women say sexism remains a daily reality at work won’t surprise those living it – and that is exactly the problem. This research highlights just how much progress is still needed to achieve true equality at work.”

The results underscore ongoing challenges faced by women in the UK workforce and suggest a need for continued efforts to foster equitable and inclusive workplace environments.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.