UK mums mean business

More than 50% of new mums are keen to set up their own business, according to new research by Tesco. The survey of 2,000 mums has revealed one in 10 working mums are sick of being overlooked for promotion just because are parents. More than 10% of those questioned complained that they?d been discriminated against at work by female colleagues (who were actually worse than men). And one in five mums had struggled with employers who demanded they work longer than their contracted hours. The research carried out by Tesco Baby & Toddler Club to mark the launch of its new website www.tesco.com/babyclub suggests the current one million women-owned businesses in the UK is set to increase ? and 6% of those questioned claim to already have enterprising ideas, everything from hand-painted cribs to pet hotels! The survey also revealed that 20% of these internet-savvy mums wanted to be work-at-home mums because of the flexible hours. Thanks to the internet, the non-stop world of communication, this is entirely possible, and 40% said they turn to the internet for help on baby/parenting matters. This compares with just 34% who talk to their doctor, 29% who turn to other parents and one in five who get advice from their local health centre. A spokesperson for Tesco Baby & Toddler Club said: ?While we know from official figures that the percentage of working mums has increased over the last five years, it seems we?re not so keen to work for someone else when it comes to the practicalities of winning the work/life balance. ?It?s in direct response to the demand for mums seeking parenting help and support online that we have launched the website offering advice from some of the country?s leading experts, plus the opportunity for mums to talk to other mums, including work-related experiences. ?We know from our own members that being able to talk to other mums in similar situations can give them the confidence to make changes that are right for them.?