The number of women in senior positions has declined, a new report has revealed.

The annual report, from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), showed that fewer women hold top jobs in 12 of the 25 of the report’s categories since 2007, while the number of women has increased in just eight areas.

The report estimates that, at the current rate of progress, it will now take 15 years longer for women to achieve equalilty at the top levels in the judiciary, and FTSE 100 companies women directors may have to wait a further eight years.

Nicola Brewer, chief executive of the EHRC, said: “Young women's aspirations are in danger of giving way to frustration. Many of them are now excelling at school and are achieving great things in higher education. And they are keen to balance a family with a rewarding career. But workplaces forged in an era of 'stay at home mums' and 'breadwinner dads' are putting too many barriers in the way - resulting in an avoidable loss of talent at the top.”


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