More than half of UK workers think that a 'glass ceiling' still exists for women in the workplace, according to research by Monster.

On a more positive note, the highest reporting of seeing signs of greater equality came from respondents in Switzerland and Germany (both 57%), Austria (48%), Belgium (47%) and the UK (44%).

Austrian workers appear to have the most positive view of women in the workplace, with 22% of respondents stating that they think the glass ceiling is a thing of the past. In contrast, Irish workers polled the lowest (39%) when asked if there were signs of greater equality.

France, Italy and Belgium believe that things will never change with 46%, 36% and 33% (respectively) of workers reporting that the glass ceiling will never go away.

Rob Brouwer (pictured right), CEO of Monster UK and Ireland, says:  “Our poll shows that the traditional barriers to women progressing at work are gradually being broken down, with 45% of respondents across Europe saying that they see the situation improving.

"However, there is still much that can be done to improve career progression for women.”