The attempt to even out the wage difference between men and women appears to have been more over ambitions than ever before with the closing of the gap seemingly grinding to a halt.

The pay gap has gradually reduced over the past 30 years but now progess seems to have come to a stern standstill in regards to full time women workers.

According to a new study by the Equality and Human Rights Commission women are currently earning 16.4 percent less than men, which is still a significant amount.The group feel that these figures suggest that the workplace remains a stressful and difficult place for some individuals.

However womens rights and equality has come along way over the 30years and the standstill may be a indirect result of the current economic crisis and budget cuts preventing the ability of firms to offer pay increase for specific groups or implement plans to increase equality within the workplace.