A poor work-life balance and family responsibilities are the biggest barrier to women securing top jobs, according to research from Opportunity Now, the gender campaign at Business in the Community.

The research reveals 82% of female managers and 54% of male managers see this as the main barrier for women, while 57% of women managers and 20% of male managers believe that women are considered less committed to work because they have family commitments.

Helen Wells, acting director of Opportunity Now, says: “It is disheartening that in 2011 women still pay a career penalty for having a family. As a society and an economy I believe it is vital that we find a way of better allowing individuals to raise families and fully participate in the labour market.

“The fact that women are seen as less committed because they may have family commitments appears to be as much of a barrier to progression as the actual family responsibilities themselves.

“We risk wasting the talents of another generation of women and leaving the boardrooms of UK organisations without the diversity of skills, talents and experiences which will enrich decision making, enhance innovation and make the UK more competitive in the future.”