More men working part-time

The number of men choosing to work part-time is set to rise in the coming years, according to a new report published this week.

The report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), entitled Working Futures, projects that the number of part-time male workers is set to increase by 20% by 2024. That number is nearly three times more than the expected growth in female part-timers (7%).

Men in professional or management roles are the most likely to take on more part-time work, with a projected 25% increase. This marks a change in the working patterns of men in highly trained and highly paid roles.

There will likely be a 7% increase in the number of women working full-time by 2024, compared to just 3% of men, showing that male workers are becoming increasingly aware of flexible working arrangements.

Lesley Giles, Deputy Director of UKCES says the report shows signs of changing trends. “The increase in men working flexible hours has been catalysed by the right to shared parental leave, but it seems to be gaining traction. This could represent a real change in the way people work and the way we understand gender roles in the labour market.”