This difference increased to £16.30 among mothers whose youngest child was over 10 years old (1983 figures).

"Employment among single mothers has increased more than almost anyone expected."

The rate was higher among teenagers and mothers who were poor.

Even more remarkable, economists say, is the increase in work among single mothers who have never been married.

During the post-welfare reform period, employment did increase among single mothers.

These differences are more pronounced among mothers with children under 5.

Among mothers who work full-time outside the home, 84 percent said so.

A recent trend among mothers is "to have a child for oneself".

E-mail has also been a critical spur to Internet use in this country, especially among mothers of small children.

Since the 1950's, the change has been most striking among mothers of the youngest children.