The trade secretary has launched a new drive to encourage women to consider careers traditionally dominated by men.

Careers in areas such as engineering and science deter women with their macho image, Patricia Hewitt argued.

"Career sexism limits opportunities for women of all ages and prevents them from achieving their full potential," she said.

"It is simply wrong to assume someone cannot do a job on the grounds of their sex."

Speaking yesterday, Hewitt also indicated that the government would take a cautious approach to increasing parental leave.

"We will have to look at how we continue to make this simpler for business," she said.

But, the Independent reports, she went on to hint that new mothers could be given up to one year's maternity pay.