Unleashing women’s potential in the workplace could add some £23 billion to the economy, helping to beat the recession, a new report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

The study comes as a further £5m is invested into the Women in Work Sector Pathways initiative to help women into male dominated employment sectors.

In 2009, the report states that two-thirds of women work in just 12 occupational areas – mainly cleaning, catering, clerical, retail and caring - whilst two-thirds of men work in 26 occupational areas. Only a third of managers and senior officials are women.

When it comes to salary, 56% of women with children go out to work, but they earn 32% less than men and 41% less than men who work full-time.