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The number of women holding senior posts in politics, the law and the media has fallen compared with last year, according to a report.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said that in 12 of 25 job categories it studied, there were fewer women holding top posts.

Women's representation had increased in eight areas, including company directors and the civil service.

The EHRC said some women faced a "concrete ceiling", not a glass one.

The commission also wants more flexible working to help women rise to the top

The commission said opportunities for ambitious women to reach the top of their career were changing at a "snail's pace".
It blamed Britain's business culture of long working days and inflexible working practices for discouraging women who want to both work and raise a family.