FEWER than 10 per cent of the most senior jobs in public life are held by females, despite the fact more women than ever are now working.

A new survey by the Equal Opportunities Commission shows that women are still "massively" under-represented in positions of influence in business, the police, media and the law.

Research by the EOC reveals that women account for just seven per cent of the senior judiciary and the senior ranks of Britain's police forces and one per cent of the senior ranks in the armed forces.

The research is believed to be the most detailed study of women in senior roles. Just nine per cent of the country's top business leaders and national newspaper editors are women. This is despite the fact that women account for 45 per cent of the work force and 30 per cent of the managers.

Southampton can boast several high profile women in positions of authority in the city.

Cunard, which has its base in Southampton is run by Pam Conover who divides her time between the city and America.

Bacardi, one of the city's main employer's, also has a woman, Stella David at the helm.

And Southampton City College has a female principal, Lindsey Noble.

The commission's chairwoman, Julie Mellor said: "Almost 30 years since the Sex Discrimination Act was passed, women are still massively under-represented in positions of influence in Britain.

"No one can argue any more that it's just a matter of time until more women make it to the top - there have been talented women coming up in business, public life and politics for years.

"Recent media commentary on the honours system has also highlighted the low numbers of women to receive senior honours. This reflects a wider problem that won't be resolved until Britain's leaders act to make sure women are not prevented from getting to the top."

The report entitled Sex and Power: Who Runs Britain? says that most organisations have the same kind of people in charge.

"Open the door of any boardroom or council chamber and the chances are that most people around the table will be men.

"It's not democratic, it's not balanced and its not good for business."