Latest figures on the distribution of council chief executive posts between men and women have reinforced the call for action to dismantle the senior jobs glass ceiling.

Statistics complied by the Municipal Year Book, published by Hemming Information Services – publishers of The MJ – show that out of 474 chief executive posts in UK local government, only 60 are occupied by women. Of the remaining number 405 posts holders are men and eight positions are currently vacant. The total of 474, slightly more than the total number of local authorities in the UK, is explained by the fact that two councils have split the chief executive function; in North Tyneside among five officers and in Gedling among three. The MYB figures, as a percentage, show women occupying 12.7% of available chief executive posts. This compares with 10.3% in the study Room at the Top published in May 2001 by the University of the West of England but that research only covered councils in England and Wales. Still to blame, according to recruitment specialists Pricewaterhouse- Coopers, is the local government ‘old boy network' that cancelled out more than 25 years of equal opportunities legislation. (The MJ, 22 March). The growing chorus calling for government action to break through the glass ceiling is reported on page 12 with an article by Minister for Women Barbara Roche.