A survey amongst leading city headhunters has revealed that recruiters are largely of the opinion that women should return to work immediately after having their babies, or quit their jobs altogether.
The research, carried out by InterExec asked participants: 'If women are looking to compete on an equal footing, and assuming they are equally well qualified, do you think that they will have to forsake a career break (for any reason), thus having comparable experience in order to reach the top positions?'
The response was a staggering 53 per cent of firms stating that women should forsake a career break.
InterExec's chief executive Kit Scott Brown said: 'Many of the top headhunters were keen to see more women in senior executive positions but felt that by taking time out - even for a few months - women would be losing out on important opportunities to progress their career.'
What do you think? Does taking time out after birth mean the end of your career?