PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Over recent decades, there has been a gradual, long-term trend away from 'standard' full-time jobs to part-time work. The proportion of employed people who worked part time increased from 16% in 1979 to 29% in 2009.

While part-time work tends to be more prevalent among women, its increase over the past 30 years has been evident for both men and women. The proportion of employed women working part time increased from 34% in 1979 to 45% in 2009, compared to 5% and 16%, respectively, for men.

The increased availability of part-time work has expanded opportunities for people to balance work with family responsibilities, to participate in education, or to make the transition to retirement. The majority of people who work part time do not want to work more hours, or would not be available to work more hours even if the extra hours were available. In 2009, a quarter (25%) of all part-time workers were underemployed.