Mum-to-be needs a seat - and women pretend not to notice

A survey found that women are more likely than men to pretend not to notice an expectant mother to avoid giving up their seat on public transport. (Nick Ansell/PA Wire)

WOMEN are more likely than men to pretend not to notice an expectant mother to avoid giving up their seat on public transport, a survey has found.

Some 19% of women admit to keeping their head down in that situation compared with just 14% of men, according to a poll of more than 2,000 adults.

People aged 16-24 give up their seat an average of eight times a month, while those over 55 only do it twice, the research revealed.

Households with an annual income of £15,000 to £25,000 were found to be the most responsive to seeing someone in need, with almost two-thirds (64%) offering others a place to sit down.

Individuals with salaries over £55,000 a year were the least likely group to move as just 42% give up their seat.

The survey was commissioned by travel firm Monarch as part of its campaign to promote traditional values of chivalry, courtesy and respect.

The company’s chief operations officer Nils Christy said: “We wanted to see just how nice the nation really is by looking at a commonplace situation faced by commuters every day.

“It’s encouraging to see men and the younger generation – often criticised for being unthoughtful – coming out tops in this simple demonstration of niceness.”