A MAJOR study of the gender gaps in British management is being carried out by the University of Bolton.

And the university is looking for local volunteers to talk about their experiences.

The university, in conjunction with Manchester Business School, is currently involved in a European Social Fund research project looking at the 'Glass Ceiling' affecting womens promotion to middle and senior management positions in the retail industry.

Pauline Brandwood, of the university's health and social studies department, said: "We want to talk to staff across different levels of a variety of organisations.

"We are looking for both male and female volunteers to take part in short interviews to discuss the issues they feel are relevant with our researchers.

"Obviously, any information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be viewed directly by the researchers, therefore anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed."

According to the latest research from the Chartered Management Institute, women are getting promoted more quickly than men, but only to first-line management positions, and there is still a discrepancy in levels of pay.

In a National Management Salary Survey, the Institute spoke to more than 20,000 individuals employed at more than 200 firms.

It revealed that the average female team leader is aged 37 while her male counterpart is aged 41.

It also found that these woman managers were earning £2,674 less than their male colleagues.

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Institute said: "Even where there is a higher percentage of female managers, there is a distinct gap in remuneration."

Contact Pauline Brandwood on 01204 903145, by fax on 01204 903763 or by email at P.M. Brandwood@bolton.ac.uk to take part in the study.