Some 82 per cent of female managers and 54 per cent of male managers see this as the main hindrance, according to a study of 857 company directors by gender campaign Opportunity Now.

Childcare concerns are the second biggest barrier, with 57 per cent of female managers and 20 per cent of male managers believing that women are seen as less dedicated 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.’

See also: Tips on how to achieve work-life balance – Laura Little, learning and development manager at CABA, gives her top tips on how to successfully achieve work-life balance.