Can you help us understand where people turn for support with problems at work?

By Eva Herman, Employment Thematic Lead, GM4Women2028

A call for Greater Manchester organisations, community groups and individuals who provide advice or support with work-related issues

Do people come to you, or to the community group or organisation you work with, for help with problems they’re experiencing at work? If so, researchers at the University of Manchester would love to hear from you.

As one of GM4Women2028's Employment Thematic Leads, I'm sharing this opportunity to contribute to important research exploring where people across Greater Manchester go when they need advice and support with work-related problems.

We know there’s been a significant decline in the availability of specialist employment advice and support services. This raises important questions about where people now turn for help, particularly when they’re facing difficulties at work and may not know where else to go.

The University of Manchester research team wants to understand what’s happening on the ground: which organisations, community groups and individuals people approach, what kinds of problems they bring and what support is available – or where there are gaps.

The findings will also help inform our Pankhurst-Fawcett Report, due to be published in February 2027. This annual report brings together data on gender equality throughout Greater Manchester, including employment indicators such as women's employment rates and the gender pay gap. This research will add valuable insight into women's experiences of seeking support with work-related problems, helping to build a broader picture of employment equality and the challenges women face across our region.

Could you share your experience?

If people approach you or your community group/organisation for help with work-related issues, the researchers would welcome your input through a short survey. Your responses could develop a clearer picture of the support available, identify unmet needs and inform future thinking about how people can access help. By contributing, you’ll also be strengthening the evidence base for our ongoing work to monitor progress and promote greater gender equality.

Take part in the survey: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_8nRC3BMwQJt2SrA

Your participation is entirely voluntary

You can choose whether to take part, stop completing the survey at any point without consequence, and request the removal of your answers.

All information will be treated confidentially and your identity will remain anonymous. If you’d be happy to speak to the researchers in more detail, there’s a chance at the end of the survey to provide your contact details. These will only be used to contact you directly.

Find out more or contact the research team

If you have questions or would prefer to speak to the researchers directly, you can get in touch with:

Eva Herman – eva.herman@manchester.ac.uk

Mathew Johnson – mathew.johnson@manchester.ac.uk

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and growing an evidence base for improving employment opportunities and support for Greater Manchester’s working women.