There was a slight increase in the number of women in top jobs at 250 Dutch firms which have signed a government charter committing themselves to change, news agency ANP says on Tuesday.

Women accounted for 20.9% of board level jobs at the companies by the end of last year, compared with 19.8% in 2013. The Dutch government has an official target of 30% and ministers have threatened to bring in quotas unless firms start promoting more women to top jobs.

The 250 companies have signed a charter called Talent naar de Top to show their commitment to boosting the number of women on their management and supervisory boards.

The signatories say 44% of their executive boards and 21% of their non-executive directors now meet the government targets, compared with around 10% at other companies.

Earlier this year, emancipation minister Jet Bussemaker launched a database of women considered suitable for senior positions in industry in an effort to stimulate companies to change their ways.