Proof a woman’s work is never done...

AS the saying goes, a woman’s work is never done. And a detailed survey has the facts to prove it.

Proof a woman’s work is never done...

Research based on more than 3,000 responses has found that mothers spend an average of 71 hours every week cleaning up after offspring, cooking, washing and acting as their child’s taxi service.

The study, compiled in Britain, has concluded that mothers spend more time working than nurses or some junior doctors — positions considered to be among the most hectic in society.

According to the findings, it would cost at least £37,000 (€41,893) every year to appoint a nanny, cleaner and tutor to fill the role mothers play.

As a result, those behind the study have urged Government officials, spouses and, yes, even children themselves, to keep in mind the huge workload placed on over-stretched parents when the next round of social support cuts and private chauffeur requests come around.

Among the main conclusions of the study, conducted by mobile network Three, are:

* The average mother spends 10 hours a day, or 71 hours a week, on household chores — work which would otherwise cost £37,000 (€41,893) in salaries for nannies, cleaners and tutors.

* This includes 69 minutes a day cleaning the house or cooking.

* 63 minutes tidying up after their children.

* 61 minutes washing clothes.

* 55 minutes preparing their child for school or nursery.

* 53 minutes trying to putting them to bed.

* 47 minutes overseeing homework.

* 42 minutes washing up or grocery shopping.

* One hour and 51 minutes ironing clothes, bringing their children to school or ferrying them to their latest social or sporting event.

Understandably enough, the survey has also found that four out of five respondents have less than one hour a day for “me time”., with one in three getting no more than six hours sleep every night.

A further five out of six are unhappy with their lifestyle, many of whom are also hold down full-time or part-time jobs.

National Women’s Council of Ireland director Susan McKay said the British survey mirrors the ongoing gender discrimination between women and men in Irish households — despite anecdotal improvements over the past generation.

She added that a recent study by her own group found that 86% of formal and informal “caring” work in this country is still done by women, indicating the significant steps Ireland still has to take towards an equal society.

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