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Underemployment affects 10.5% of UK workforce | Underemployment affects 10.5% of UK workforce |
(35 minutes later) | |
One in 10 of all workers in the UK are now officially underemployed, according to a study from the Office For National Statistics (ONS). | One in 10 of all workers in the UK are now officially underemployed, according to a study from the Office For National Statistics (ONS). |
It says 3,050,000 workers want to work more hours each week, out of a total workforce of 29.41 million. | It says 3,050,000 workers want to work more hours each week, out of a total workforce of 29.41 million. |
The number of workers in this position has shot up by 980,000 in the four years since the start of the economic recession in 2008. | The number of workers in this position has shot up by 980,000 in the four years since the start of the economic recession in 2008. |
Most of the underemployment is concentrated among part-time workers. | Most of the underemployment is concentrated among part-time workers. |
The ONS said 1.9 million of the underemployed were in part-time jobs and this meant, in turn, that 24% of all part-timers wanted more work. | The ONS said 1.9 million of the underemployed were in part-time jobs and this meant, in turn, that 24% of all part-timers wanted more work. |
By contrast, only 5.5% of full-time staff said they wanted to work more hours. | By contrast, only 5.5% of full-time staff said they wanted to work more hours. |
The ONS said the main reason for the growth of underemployment has been the economic downturn of the past few years. | The ONS said the main reason for the growth of underemployment has been the economic downturn of the past few years. |
"During this period many workers moved from full-time to part-time roles and many of those returning to work after a period of unemployment could only find part-time jobs," the statistical office said. | "During this period many workers moved from full-time to part-time roles and many of those returning to work after a period of unemployment could only find part-time jobs," the statistical office said. |
"Of the extra one million underemployed workers in 2012 compared with 2008, three-quarters were in part-time posts." | "Of the extra one million underemployed workers in 2012 compared with 2008, three-quarters were in part-time posts." |
'Its really tough' | 'Its really tough' |
The growth of underemployment has gone alongside a big fall in the real value of earnings, the ONS said, which have been outstripped by inflation in recent years. | The growth of underemployment has gone alongside a big fall in the real value of earnings, the ONS said, which have been outstripped by inflation in recent years. |
Jane Tomlinson, a part-time worker from Oxford, told the BBC what it had been like to be underemployed for the past year. | Jane Tomlinson, a part-time worker from Oxford, told the BBC what it had been like to be underemployed for the past year. |
"I work only 15 hours a week paid work for a charity as communications manager," she said. | "I work only 15 hours a week paid work for a charity as communications manager," she said. |
"I don't actually want a full-time job, but I need more than 15 hours a week, so I pick up a bit of copywriting work here and there as I can find it. | "I don't actually want a full-time job, but I need more than 15 hours a week, so I pick up a bit of copywriting work here and there as I can find it. |
"But month to month it's really tough as I make only just enough to pay the bills. Thank goodness my husband has a job," she added. | "But month to month it's really tough as I make only just enough to pay the bills. Thank goodness my husband has a job," she added. |
Caroline Parre, an academic from Birmingham, said for the past three years the recession had prevented her hours being extended. | |
"Recruited to set up a research centre, the expectation had always been the part-time job would convert into full-time employment. The recession has changed that hope," she said. | |
"There is danger in the situation: to enable the success of the venture I have, voluntarily, worked full-time hours on a part-time salary, in the hope and belief that efforts would be rewarded. | |
"Efforts, of course, are not rewarded, and employers find themselves in the happy position of paying full time workers half-time salaries," she pointed out. | |
But a spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the figures showed that three quarters of all part-time staff appeared to be content. | |
"Part-time working suits millions of people and gives others the skills and experience to find a different job or take advantage of longer hours when they are available," she said. | |
"For many people it is an important step to full-time work and coming off benefits." | |
Self-employed | Self-employed |
The ONS explained that most of the rise in underemployment took place between 2008 and 2009, when the recession first gripped the UK economy. | The ONS explained that most of the rise in underemployment took place between 2008 and 2009, when the recession first gripped the UK economy. |
Since then it has still been rising, though more slowly then before. | Since then it has still been rising, though more slowly then before. |
According to the ONS analysis, the problem is worst among the lowest paid, young workers and those in low-skilled jobs, such as labourers, cleaners and catering staff. | |
The shortage of work has also led to a big rise in the level of underemployment reported by the self-employed. | The shortage of work has also led to a big rise in the level of underemployment reported by the self-employed. |
They are now even more likely to report being underemployed than those who work for others. | They are now even more likely to report being underemployed than those who work for others. |
However the precise reasons for individuals being underemployed can vary. | However the precise reasons for individuals being underemployed can vary. |
The ONS said these reasons could include: | |
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Labour market economist John Philpott said: "Approaching one in five economically active people are struggling in today's 'no or not enough work' economy. | |
"Add in the effect of falling real take-home pay for the vast majority of people in work and it becomes clear how much distress is being suffered." | |
The TUC's general secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "Being underemployed carries a huge pay penalty that puts a real strain on people's finances. | |
"Long periods of underemployment can cause longer term career damage, which is particularly worrying for the one in five young people currently trapped in it." | |
Are you working part-time when you would prefer to be working full-time? You can share your thoughts and experiences by filling in the form below. | Are you working part-time when you would prefer to be working full-time? You can share your thoughts and experiences by filling in the form below. |