WOMEN are failing to push themselves forward for top roles in the boardrooms of Britain, according to a shock survey.

Lack of confidence – rather than family commitments – is the main stumbling block preventing women from progressing in the workplace, according to the survey.

The survey of more than 500 women from the corporate world showed that shortage of confidence was cited by two-thirds as the most important factor in holding them back.

That is in stark contrast to the widely-held view that raising children is the principal barrier to career succession.

Attendees at the Women’s Business Forum, which is organised by Holmfirth-based businesswoman Heather Jackson, were asked to rate five attributes that could potentially hold women back in the workplace.

While confidence is seen as a key issue, nearly two-thirds of respondents stated capability as the least significant issue.

The second most significant factor restricting women’s progression is a shortage of support.

A third of those questioned claimed this was holding them back in the corporate world – closely followed by a lack of contacts.

The findings are consistent with latest pay statistics between men and women showing that while the pay gap has narrowed slightly, a significant inconsistency still exists.

Heather said: “These figures clearly demonstrate that women feel a lack of confidence, plus, to a lesser extent support and contacts are the main reasons they often fall behind their male counterparts on the corporate ladder.

“A lack of confidence for women is perfectly demonstrated in their inability to often negotiate a remuneration package which reflects their true worth.

“Even though the gender gap has fallen below 10% for the first time, the disparity is still significant as the latest figures have shown.

“It is absolutely vital that maximising the untapped capability of the female workforce is achieved by offering them the support they need through effective networking and mentoring.”

Earlier this year, the Women’s Business Forum held its annual conference, where an international line-up of speakers addressed 600 business people.

A clear message from the conference was the important role in economic growth this issue has to play.

The organisation works with over 4,000 women across the UK to develop female board level talent.