A new report by the Fawcett Society examining household finances has found that inequality between the sexes is still rife.

"Home Truths" indicates that a quarter of women with personal incomes of under £400 a month say it is their partner who has the final say in financial decisions.

Forum Response: Unison

Marisa Howes, national women's officer at Unison, told ePolitix.com: said: "It's sad but true that, at the beginning of the 21st century, we are still a long way from true equality in most homes.

"This report reinforces our argument that we will only achieve equality between the sexes when we achieve economic equality - and that means equal pay for work of equal value and an end to discrimination in the workplace.

"The report highlights the worries that women have about provision for their old age. Many have little or no pension provision, and their 'secret savings' are more to do with short-term contingencies rather than long-term security."