People's perceptions of ethnic minority women in the workplace are lagging behind the reality, according to an Ipsos MORI survey commissioned jointly by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The study found that 37% of respondents think that unemployed Bangladeshi and Pakistani women face cultural and religious barriers that prevent them from working, after family and caring responsibilities (43%).

It found that 53% of people thought that white British women in work were more likely than ethnic minority women in work to have a degree.

A separate study on Pakistani and Bangladeshi women's attitudes to work and family, published by the DWP, found that attitudes are changing from one generation to the next. It shows that difficulties in finding suitable childcare and flexible working arrangements act as the biggest barrier to work for ethnic minority women, in the same way as they do for women in general.

Employment minister Caroline Flint says: "These reports show that times are changing and that women from all backgrounds want to work in a way that suits them. People can't afford to make snap judgements about the many women from ethnic minorities who are keen and able to work. If they do, they'll miss out on a growing pool of untapped talent that many employers are already waking up to."