Tall story of women's earnings

Those who stand at a height of at least 5ft 8in are twice as likely to earn more than 30,000 a year and pocket an average of 5,000 more annually, according to a survey.

Asked to give their salary and measurements, a fifth of women (20 per cent) who were paid 30,000 and above were in the tall category

compared with 10 per cent of those who were under 5ft 8in.

The research for Long Tall Sally also found that a fifth of females in the over 5ft 8in category saw their height as a source of empowerment and authority while 5 per cent of shorter women felt that.

In addition, it suggested taller women were more comfortable with their bodies, with a quarter saying they would not change anything. In contrast, nine out of 10 females standing below 5ft 8in were unhappy with how they looked.

Arianne Cohen, author of The Tall Book, said: "Research shows that tall people are consistently more successful in the workplace, not only do they earn more but they're more likely to be in leadership positions.

"As taller people have a downward eyecast when speaking to shorter colleagues, they are instinctively perceived to have authority and confidence."