Record number of women in work

Women on average still earn less than male colleagues

More women are working in the UK than ever before, according to new figures.

An estimated 12.5 million women have jobs, 843,000 more than 10 years ago.

Only Denmark and Sweden have higher proportions in Europe.

The Office for National Statistics found that women with older children were more likely to be in work than those with younger sons or daughters.

Further action needs to be taken to ensure that women's work is valued

Low Pay Unit

Fewer than half of lone mothers have a job, and those with children under the age of five were less likely to be in work.

Employment Minister Tessa Jowell said the study showed "excellent progress" had been made on achieving work-family balance.

She said: "This is good news for women. The report shows that women continue to be an integral part of the workforce.

"It is vital that we recognise this achievement and continue building on this success - making sure there is support for women returning to work after having a family and helping people balance their work and family life."

Women's employment rates vary across the country from 74% in the South East to 58% in Northern Ireland.

Working women

60% of married women with pre-school children

31% of lone mums with children under five

90% of women with dependent children don't want full-time work

Employment growth strongest among women aged between 50 and 59

Every UK region apart from the North East has seen a growth in employment for women since 1997, the figures show.

Women make up the bulk of part-time workers but the recent growth in female employment has been in full time jobs.

The pressure on families to get a second income after the collapse of the housing market and high unemployment in the 1990s may have played its part.

The Low Pay Unit said it was concerned that so many women were in service industries, traditionally a low-paying sector.

Nine out of 10 women work in service industries and in non-manual occupations and earn less than their male counterparts. In manufacturing firms, nine out of 10 workers are men.

The Low Pay Unit's director, Bharti Patel said the record number of women in work was great news for women and the labour market.

"Now further action needs to be taken to ensure that women's work is valued and the gender pay gap is finally closed."