The UK has one of the highest rates of part-time work in Europe, with female workers paid far less on average than their male counterparts, according to a new report.
The study, conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), found that 24 per cent of the UK workforce were part-timers, well above the EU average of 18 per cent.
The research found that women were still at a disadvantage in the workplace, with 82 per cent of part-timers being female and rates of pay far lower than their male counterparts.
According to the report, women working part-time earned just 60 per cent of the average hourly wage of men who worked full-time.
Previous research has found that many women still believe that a ‘glass ceiling’ still exists in the workplace, with employers holding traditional views on women’s role in society.
Although the number of women starting up a business has risen in recent years, it is still far less than the proportions seen in America, where women are seen to be on a more equal footing to men in terms of entreprenuership.
Julie Mellor, chair of the EOC, said that women are paying a high price for their desire to work part-time to care for children or relatives.
“The gap between the pay of part-time and full-time workers can partly be explained by the unwillingness of some employers to allow women in senior positions to work part-time.
“This means some women end up taking jobs lower down the ladder than where they were before having children, and their employers lose out on the valuable skills and experience they have acquired.
“A more positive attitude toward part-time and flexible work arrangements at all levels would help close the gap between women’s and men’s pay as well as helping companies retain staff and save million in recruitment and training costs as a result,” she said.
