Many mothers face a significant loss of career status and pay when taking up part-time roles, according to the February issue of the Economic Journal.

The reports found that the talents of the UK's most qualified women are being wasted owing to "occupational downgrading" when they return to work.

Hourly earnings are 26% lower for women working part-time rather than full-time - 6m women, 40% of those in work, are in part-time jobs.

Sara Connolly and Mary Gregory, authors of the report, says: "Girls and young women are outperforming males at all educational levels. They are moving into an expanding range of occupations, and building successful careers. The gender pay gap is narrowing.

"But for many all this comes to an abrupt halt when childcare claims part of the working week."

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