Backlash as Jeremy Corbyn calls for ban on ‘sexist’ after-work drinks

Jeremy CorbynLabour leader, Jeremy Corbyn has faced a public backlash after calling for a ban on ‘sexist’ after work drinks.

Corbyn has suggested that employers should discourage a culture of drinking after work, as it is unfair on working mothers.

Launching his manifesto to improve women’s rights, Corbyn said, “A substantial number of women who quite rightly take time out of work with maternity leave end up finding themselves reduced in their work when they get back.”

“The behaviour of companies that encourage an ethic of early-evening socialisation to promote themselves within the company benefits men who don’t feel the need to be at home looking after their children, and it discriminates against women who want to obviously look after the children they’ve got.”

Corbyn also outlined plans to crackdown on sexual harassment and online abuse; increase funding for supporting victims of domestic abuse; and progressing towards universal childcare.

However, Corbyn’s comments faced a backlash from MPs and the general public. Many people viewed his comments as sexist, which assumed that a woman’s role was to look after children. Many fathers were also offended by the comments, for suggesting that they would rather be out drinking than looking after their children.

Others were annoyed that Corbyn wanted to stop after-work drinks with UKIP MEP Patrick O’Flynn saying, “I see Corbyn is against blokes going for a beer with workmates at the end of a shift.”

Speaking to LBC, Matt Chorley, political editor of The Times, said, “He then went on to say it benefited men who don’t feel the need to be at home with their children and discriminates against “women who will want to, obviously, look after the children they have.”

Continuing he said, “So he manages to offend almost everyone by suggesting that being at home with your children is a job for women and that dads aren’t bothered about seeing their children these days. They’re the ones that are quite happy about being in the pub.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
Visa - WeAreTheCity - Pioneer 20 - nominations open
WeAreTech Festival 2024 advert

Upcoming Events

march, 2024

Job Board Banner

Related Posts