Australian women tighten belts

SYDNEY - Australian women are choosing to work longer hours and cut back on personal spending to combat the effects of the economic downturn.

A Westpac Banking survey found that almost 50 per cent of the 1006 women surveyed stated that they were working longer hours or had returned to work early from maternity leave. It found that almost three-quarters of those questioned said their quality of life had been impacted by the global financial crisis, as they struggle to manage the increase in the cost of outgoings such as petrol and groceries.

To tackle these issues, the women are working longer hours and reducing personal spending, with more than 80 per cent of women cutting back on the amount they spend on themselves to maintain spending in other areas, particularly on their families.

Westpac head of Women's Markets Larke Riemer said while all Australians were feeling the pinch, the research highlighted the major impact it was having on working women.

"Women are juggling increased workloads with the everyday pressure of maintaining family life," he said.

- AAP