Almost 45 per cent of the top jobs in the Kingdom are carried out by women, who are close to breaking through the 'glass ceiling' which has long separated females from the top business spots.

According to research carried out by the GMB union and Audit Scotland, Fife is in the top six local authorities where women are holding their own in the best paid jobs.

Human resources spokesman for Fife Council, Councillor Elizabeth Riches, welcomed the news but believes there is still room for improvement.

She said: "Some of the actions we are taking to further improve the percentage of women in the top income bracket include setting up an employee forum to help identify and remove any barriers women may face; and using apprenticeship and traineeships to redress any gender imbalances particularly in areas where we know we have a skills gap.

"We are also working with existing women managers across Fife's community planning partnership organisations to make sure we are taking the right steps to encourage and enable women to progress in their chosen careers, plus we have a range of very progressive flexible working policies in place.

"Clearly this research by the GMB shows there is still room for improvement but as an employer we are fully committed to improving and promoting equality of opportunity for all our employees."

Mrs Riches added the local authority is always keen to consider any new ideas or approaches that could be even more supportive to achieving equality in the workplace.

Stirling Council was the only local authority in Scotland where over 50 per cent of the top earners are women, compared to 22 councils in England.

GMB national equality and diversity officer Kamaljeet Jandu believes women in local government have started to break through the glass ceiling into the top jobs.

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