Women on rise in local councils

Women are slowly progressing into the top positions in local authorities, according to figures released by the GMB general union.

There are now eight local councils in England where half or more of the top 5% of earners are women. While this still represents a minority of the 149 local authorities in England, there are a further 56 councils where women make up 40% or more of the top earners.

The authorities where women comprise at least half of the top 5% of earners are Merton (60%), Swindon (57%), Derby (56%), Middlesbrough (55%), Essex (54%), Lewisham (52%), Haringey and Luton (both 50%).

In contrast, in the City of London only 12% of the top 5% of earners are women, and in Wandsworth only 20% are women.

The figures were prepared by the GMB London region's Managerial and Professional Officers section, based on information supplied to the Audit Commission by local councils in 2002-03.

Senior organiser Justin Bowden said: "These figures demonstrate that, if employers put their mind to it, women can get a fair deal and break through the glass ceiling."