ONE of the most powerful women in national politics came to Tesco in Leytonstone on Monday to champion equal opportunities for women in the workplace.

Ruth Kelly, the Government's Communities Secretary, is launching a new action plan in response to the Government's Women and Work Commission to remove obstacles in the way of women's professional achievement.

Ms Kelly met store manager Karen Ross and young women starting their careers at Tesco to discuss their training and development at the company regarded as an exemplar employer.

Women earn 27 per cent less than men on average, and Ms Kelly said this is because women often take time off or move to part-time work to spend more time with their families.

However, she said, the number of women changing their jobs has reduced by half, a phenomenal figure achieved by flexible working and part-time positions provided by businesses such as Tesco.

She said: "I am highlighting the experiences here because it is very inspiring. The schemes already in existence need to be made much more widespread.

"We want to increase opportunities for girls, enabling them to think about prospects ahead by removing any barriers. We want to raise girls' aspirations and take action to make sure that is achieved."

Juliet Crisp, head of diversity at Tesco, said: "The majority of our employees are women and we are trying to encourage more of them to take up management positions. It is all about moving them up through the ranks and utilising their talents."

Ms Ross progressed from working as a part-time cashier at Tesco to managing the large Leytonstone store.

She praised Tesco's training schemes, which regularly give trainees and seniors the chance to build their knowledge and skills.

New employees with A-level qualifications can embark on the A level plus programme, and those without higher education can train for an NVQ in retail on the job.

Diane Claver, 19, started at the Epping store one year ago and recently passed her NVQ exams with distinction to work her way into management.

Zeba Zakriya, 22, has five A levels and a medical engineering degree. She is now a team leader at Tesco, working towards becoming a section manager in six months on the A level plus programme.

Miss Zakriya said: "I became interested in retail when I did business modules in my degree, and I love working in Tesco.

"The people are great, and I knew I would get all the training I needed to progress."