10/02/2010

Sex Inequalities For Part-Time Workers

More women than ever before are working part-time but too many have to downgrade when they leave full-time employment, the Government has said.

UK Solicitor General Vera Baird, who backs the new Equality Bill, called for flexible working conditions to become the norm.

She said: "By not opening up more senior roles to part-time work, business is missing a trick. We can't miss tricks when our economy needs vigorously to re-grow after the recession."

The overall pay gap between men and women is 22%, according to a new report.

But the gap is much wider for women working part-time - median hourly earnings of part-time workers are 36.5% than full-time workers.

Ms Baird added: "We need a labour market framework which encourages them to be flexibly mixed so that individuals have maximum choice and businesses have satisfied employees."

The Government today also agreed to implement the majority of the 43 recommendations made by the Women and Work Commission in their report 'Shaping a Fairer Future - a review of the recommendations of the Women and Work Commission three years on'.

Baroness Prosser, Chair of the Women and Work Commission, said: "As the economic recovery gathers strength, it is vital that the Government continues to work closely with businesses to capitalise on the skills and experience of women.

"The economic benefits of more women participating in the labour market should not be overlooked at this crucial time."

(PR/GK)

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