More men are working as receptionists and telephonists than ever before, highlighting the huge revolution in the world of work.

At the same time more women are working as chemists and scientists.

Research for the Government showed that since 1997 56 per cent more men are working as receptionists and 43 per cent more are in child care.

The report detailed changes sparked by the one million extra jobs created since Labour came to power.

Employment minister Tessa Jowell said the figures showed how the jobs market was changing.

"There are now a million people in Britain employed in jobs based on information and communication technology, which is four times the number working on farms and three times the number employed making cars and other forms of transport."

Three-quarters of all jobs are now in the service sector and there are now more women in the workforce than ever before.

The number of female workers has risen by 596,000 since 1997.