There are more women in the Irish workforce than ever before - an estimated 42 per cent at present and growing. For women with families, however, staying in the workforce can be a very tough station.

A recent British survey revealed that 50 per cent of working women feel like quitting work because they feel under such pressure and two-thirds of full-time working women said that their jobs were damaging their family life. Many are opting for early retirement or considering leaving their jobs earlier for alternative part-time employment.

Under these circumstances, it is more important than ever that women plan for their financial future. Working women in their 30s and 40s have been urged to evaluate their lifestyle and plan more effectively for their future by the Retirement Planning Council (RPC). The council has created a new mid-career course designed to give women a chance to focus on their own particular circumstances, both at work and in the home, and to assist participants in planning their life more effectively. It will look at the particular health issues - physical and mental - that the modern working woman faces with a view towards improving quality of life.

The RPC's series of one-day courses, which commence in July and which will run through the autumn will cover topics such as health, relationships, financial planning and prioritising time, with practical recommendations as to how to deal with these issues.

"Women are living longer, and on average can expect to live into the late 80s, with higher expectations than previous generations - and this is set to continue. They need to factor this into lifestyle planning at an early age," says Tom Molloy, chairperson of the RPC.

Speaking at the opening of the RPC's new offices, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, said: "One of the main miracles of the modern age has been the rapid improvement in life expectancy. . . It is important that everyone should consider the sort of life they want to live in retirement and plan accordingly. The changes we are seeing in society make it vital that women now make adequate provision for their own futures."

For further information call the RPC at (01) 661 3130 or visit www.rpc.ie