The "Sorry Tax": Reflections on Sheryl Sandberg and Gender Inequality
When Sheryl Sandberg published Lean In in 2013, one observation resonated with women across industries almost immediately. Women, Sandberg wrote, apologise far more often than men at work, not for genuine errors, but for speaking, questioning, interrupting, or simply taking up space.
The Double Bind
Her insight was not anecdotal. Psychological research shows that women apologise more frequently because they perceive a wider range of their actions as potentially inappropriate or risky. This is not because they are less competent, but because they have learned that professional and social penalties are real and unevenly applied.
Sandberg highlighted what she called the "double bind". When women behave assertively, they are often judged as abrasive or unlikable; however, when they soften their language, they are seen as less authoritative. Men demonstrating the same behaviours are far more likely to be rewarded.
More than a decade later, the reality remains. This is not simply a confidence issue; it is a structural one. For women who are caregivers, particularly parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the barriers are even more pronounced.
The Gender Pay Gap: Still Real, Still Gendered
According to the Office for National Statistics, in April 2025 the median gender pay gap for full-time employees stood at 6.9%. Crucially, the gap widens significantly with age, particularly after 40. This reflects the cumulative impact of caregiving, career breaks, and reduced access to progression rather than differences in skill or ambition.
For many women, self-censorship becomes a rational survival strategy. In this context, the apology is not a sign of weakness; it is a form of risk management.
Hounslow Welcomes the Duke of Gloucester to Mark 100 Years of the Golden Mile
The Duke of Gloucester paid a special visit to Hounslow to mark the 100th anniversary of the Golden Mile. This iconic stretch of the Great West Road was first opened by King George V in 1925. Today, it remains one of West London’s most important areas for new jobs, businesses, and investment.
The visit, hosted at the landmark JCDecaux building in Brentford, brought together leaders from business, development, education, and the community to celebrate a century of innovation and to look ahead to the next 100 years of opportunity.
A Century of Innovation
The Duke toured an exhibition charting the origins of the Golden Mile, its globally recognised Art Deco architecture, and its industrial past. Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said:
"It was an enormous privilege to welcome The Duke back to a place first opened by His Royal Highness’s grandfather a century ago. The Golden Mile began as one of Britain’s great industrial frontiers. Today, it stands once again at the centre of a new wave of innovation."
Mitie Accredited as a Member of the Good Business Charter
Mitie, the UK’s leading facilities management and transformation company, has been awarded the Good Business Charter (GBC) accreditation. This recognition reflects its commitment to responsible business practices that support both people and the planet.
With 84,000 colleagues working across the country in roles ranging from security to sustainability, Mitie is the largest employer to be accredited by the GBC. The company has met the required standard across all ten commitments of the Charter, including fairer tax practices and care for the environment.
Leading by Example
The accreditation was marked at a breakfast reception held at Mitie’s headquarters in The Shard. Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter, stated that the GBC is here to raise the bar at a time when too many businesses settle for the minimum in how they treat their colleagues and suppliers.
Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services at Mitie, added: "We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating better places and thriving communities."
