The study by the London Chamber of Commerce and the University of Westminster says almost 70% of the 450,000 professional jobs created between 1981 and 1996 went to women.

Nationwide, women earn 80% of male salaries. But in London, they get only 77% of pay packets taken home by men.

Professional women in London are more likely than those outside the capital to break into male territory like law and accountancy.

The chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce, Simon Sperryn, said: "Women have made enormous strides to tap into the professional jobs market, especially in London, although pay differentials remain."

He added that the Government's decision to set up a Cabinet sub-committee on women's issues might lead to a national childcare strategy and "family-friendly" employment policies.

"Women are a vitally important part of the workforce and have proved adept at competing in the professional jobs market," he said.

Over the last 10 years, women have increasingly been abandoning traditional stay-at-home roles, either working or looking for work.

In 1984 there were 66% in this category, compared with 71% in 1996.