More women are in part-time workIncreasing numbers of women are now securing part-time work, it has been revealed.

Indeed, according to the Government Equalities Office, more UK females than ever before are working part-time, equating to 42 per cent of working women.

However, the office has warned that too many such employees are having to downgrade when they leave a full-time position.

As a result, the new cross-government women’s employment strategy has proposed more highly skilled quality part-time jobs for women are needed in order to help boost the economy.

Furthermore, Vera Baird, solicitor general and lead minister for the Equality Bill, has said flexible working needs to become the norm.

“This is important for women, who still have the majority of caring responsibilities at home, but need and want to work. It is also good for men who share in caring and for businesses that will benefit more fully from a wider pool of talent,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Angela Eagle, work and pensions minister, said it was important women were able to enjoy a work-life balance and helped employers and employees to achieve this.

Tatjana Hine, vice-president of the World Association of Women Entrepreneurs recently stated progress towards equal pay for men and women needs to be made faster.