Is there a need for more investment banking jobs in London for women?

The recession has brought on bigger challenges for women than men during the recession, particularly those juggling their careers with raising a family.

While more investment banking jobs in London that suit female applicants may now be emerging, India Gary-Martin, president of the City Women''s Network, said the downturn prompted many companies to tighten their belts.

As a result, staff were expected to work longer hours and be less flexible - something that could have been a struggle for working mums, she explained.

"Initiatives to increase the number of women on boards are less attractive to companies whilst fighting through in a recession," Ms Gary-Martin explained.

However she went on to note that pressures on staff numbers in the financial services industry are now showing signs of easing.

This assertion seems to be reflected in recent research by the Confederation of British and PricewaterhouseCoopers, which claimed that financial services providers expect employee numbers to increase next quarter - the first increase since December 2007.