Few of the obstacles barring women from advancing in business are likely to dissolve in the next 10 years, according to new research.

Most women see no end to hindrance to promotion and personal development in the foreseeable future despite calls from the government and European Union to give them more representation on FTSE100 company boards and at senior management levels.

The report ‘Working Women‘ is part of the Vision of Britain 2020 series published by financial services firm Friends Life, and reveals 55% of women believe the pay gulf between the sexes will still need bridging in 2020.

While 53% of women believe they will still struggle against male rivals to fill senior posts, but men see more equality by the end of the decade.

Only a third (31%) of men consider women will be paid significantly less for taking the same job, and three out of 10 believe women face any discrimination when vying for management jobs.

Motherhood and childcare present  the biggest work problems or women, according to the research.

Half (51%) of working mothers agree childcare is so expensive that returning to work after maternity leave does not make financial sense.

One in four working women spend at least 25% of their salary on childcare for under fives and urge employers to introduce more flexible working arrangements.

Most working women (88%) believe employers should cut their hours to ease family responsibilities without affecting career prospects.

Kim Clarke, Head of HR, Friends Life, said: “The glass ceiling preventing women from getting to the top is still a long way from being shattered. Britain also faces a lost army of mothers who are willing but unable to work because of the prohibitive cost of childcare, with serious implications for both the economy and family finances.

“The right flexible working policy and culture can help women in particular. Flexible working alongside mentoring can help foster a culture of understanding among senior management of the pressures facing women and can ultimately help both women and business prosper.”

Download a copy of The Working Women report from www.visionsofbritain2020.co.uk/workingwomen