Almost a third of women in the workplace are earning more than their partners, putting them increasingly in the role of breadwinner, a new study revealed.

According to the Women And Work Survey 2010 commissioned by Grazia magazine, almost half the 2,000 females questioned were either out-earning their partners (30%) or earning as much (19%), and one in 10 already had a house husband.

One possible explanation given by the poll was that the recession hit male employment, shifting the burden of responsibility in relationships. The survey found women did not wish to leave the world of work, with only 11% wanting to "stop work completely".

Respondents were "realistic" about the downsides of full-time motherhood, with almost half of all full-time mothers admitting they hated "not earning their own money", while 32% missed work itself.

Women with full-time jobs said their employment made them feel worthwhile and confident.

Despite the emergence of the so called "Mrs Big", the survey identified she was now part of a "cross-over couple" where partners shared the load and were not bound by traditional ideas.

Four out of 10 women thought that in future, the career of whoever was the highest earner would take precedence, regardless of sex and a further 39% felt mothers and fathers would share the work and childcare load equally.

However, the survey also pinpointed a new battleground emerging between parents and the child-free.

Nine out of 10 women said child-free workers resented the flexi-hours and time off mothers can have, while 71% said other women were their harshest critics in the workplace and a third of female directors thought mothers were less productive.