www.wearefamilyfriendly.org
March 20, 2011
A survey of parents has revealed two-thirds of British mothers (66 per cent) have been shunned when needing help to carry a pram or pushchair upstairs in a public place.
Mothers are more likely to have been let down than fathers in the same situation – in comparison, four in ten dads (40 per cent) have been ignored or refused help.
The Populus survey was commissioned by the Family and Parenting Institute, which is to launch a nationwide Family Friendly scheme in early summer 2011 designed to help UK businesses and services be more welcoming to families.
The scheme will see 'We Are Family Friendly' signs displayed on the doors of participating organisations – and the survey revealed almost nine in ten (87 per cent) of parents with children under five said such a sign would make them possibly or definitely more willing to step inside.
The survey also identified Job Centres as the location most dreaded by parents venturing out of the home with children in tow. Only 11 per cent of parents voted Job Centres as a family friendly environment – the lowest score for a string of locations including hospitals, restaurants and cafes, supermarkets and airports. Banks came second-to-last with a lowly 21 per cent.
Doctors' surgeries topped the bill in the family friendly stakes. 60 per cent of respondents described their local GP surgery as family friendly.
When asked what were the most frustrating element of family outings, a lack of accessibility for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs came second (34 per cent) – but a lack of toilet stops topped the bill. 37 per cent of parents said a lack of facilities for elderly and young family members with full bladders was the biggest barrier to a family friendly experience.
When asked what they would expect from a firm declaring itself family friendly, only 21 per cent of 18-24 year olds cited 'staff that are welcoming and respectful to all family members.' But the issue of respect was crucial for the older generation of family members – the figure rose to 72 per cent in the over 65s.
Dr Katherine Rake, Chief Executive of the Family and Parenting Institute, said: "Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he wants the UK to become Europe's most family friendly society. But we have far to go before this vision is achieved.
"Our Family Friendly scheme will help businesses and public services relied on by families to really understand their needs. It will allow these organisations to actively play a part in building a family friendly UK."
The Poll
Populus carried out the poll of parents, on behalf of the Family and Parenting Institute, on March 12 and 13.
Have you ever been ignored or rejected when needing help to carry a pushchair or pram upstairs (by either members of the public or members of staff)?
Base: All respondents with children under the age of 16 (n=512)
Mothers answering yes: 66%
Fathers answering yes: 40%
Which of the following have frustrated you the most when trying to spend time as a family outside of the home?
Base: All respondents (n=1317)
Lack of toilet facilities for elderly and young family members 37%
Inaccessibility for prams / pushchairs / buggies / wheelchairs 34%
Members of the public with unwelcoming attitudes to young children 32%
Members of staff with unwelcoming attitudes to young children 31%
Lack of seating for weary elderly family members 24%
Lack of family ticket discounts for attractions 19%
Lack of baby changing facilities 18%
Not enough designated family parking spaces 15%
- While lack of toilet facilities was most frustrating for parents of children over 18 (46%), inaccessibility for prams etc and members of the public with unwelcoming attitudes were the most frustrating for those with children under 18 (34%).
Would you be more likely to use the services of an organisation with a 'We Are Family Friendly' badge displayed?
Base: All respondents (n=1317)
- More than half of parents (58 per cent) said they were definitely or possibly more likely to use the services of an organisation with such a sign. This rose to almost nine in ten (87 per cent) parents with children under five.
