CAMPAIGNERS say devolution in the North-East will give women a greater say in decision-making.

Recent research has shown women in the region continue to earn less than men and are more likely to work part-time in low paid and insecure jobs.

The figures show women are less likely to receive training and promotion, but still more likely to take on the burden of caring responsibilities.

Women hold only 33 per cent of national public appointments and in the business world of the FTSE 100 companies, 45 have no women on their board of directors. Only ten of the remaining 55 have more than one woman.

Katie Schmuecker, of the Campaign for the English Regions, said devolution for the North-East could help reverse this trend.

She said: "Devolution to the regions of England represents a real opportunity for women to get involved in influencing the decisions that affect their lives.