Part-time work

There are more part-time jobs in Britain than in any other European country. Eighty per cent of part-time jobs are done by women.

Women with children often take part-time jobs. Some mothers want to work full-time, but cannot because it is difficult for them to find someone to look after their children. In Britain, there are very few nurseries for young children.

Partners often have to look after the children while women work part-time in the early morning or in the evening. It is more difficult for single mothers to take on part-time work because they must earn enough to pay someone to look after their children.

In April 1999, the Government introduced a minimum wage per hour for workers, but it is not very much. People over 22 are paid £ 3.60 per hour and younger workers between 18 and 21 receive £ 3.00. Part-time workers now also have more rights including holiday pay.

1

a  At what age can you get a part-time job in your country?

b  Have your parents ever been unemployed?

2

Do a survey in your class.

a  How many people have mothers who work?

b  Do they work part-time or full-time?

c  Compare your country with Britain.

Michael Vaughan-Rees, Geraldine Sweeney, Picot Cassidy: In Britain. 21st Century Edition, Cornelsen Verlag, 2000, page 44