Part-time female staff salaries rising faster than full-time males’

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Salaries for women that work part time haven risen faster over the past 10 years than those of men that work full time, according to research by Timewise.

Its analysis of Office for National Statistics’ salary data found that over 10 years part-time pay for women has risen by 38% over the past decade, compared to a 29% rise in salary levels for full-time working men.

The average median wage for women working part-time is £8.40, with an annual growth rate of 3.3%. In comparison, the average median pay for men working part-time is only £7.95.

In addition, Timewise’s 2014 Part-time power list has identified a number of individuals working in senior high level, executive roles whi have built up successful careers while working part time.

It is mostly made up of women (88%, or 44 of 50), with only seven men on the list, accounting for 12%.

Just under three-quarters (74%) of part-time workers are currently women (6,121,000).

However, the number of men choosing to work part-time in the UK is rising. More than 975,000 are now working part-time because they do not wish to work full time, which is an increase of 8% or 72,000 in 12 months.

This figure is likely to reach one million for the first time next year.

Karen Mattison, co-founder of Timewise, said: “Flexibility used to be considered as a benefit required by the few. Now 8.7 million full-time workers want it.

“This is the way that work is going and the very best employers recognise that. It’s time for mass market change.”

Celia Donne, global operations director at Regus, added: “Attitudes are steadily changing among the nation’s employers, but in order to make further progress they must firstly address outdated management techniques, such as learning to focus on output and productivity rather than hours sat at a desk.

“This is urgently required to help break down the culture of presenteeism, which often holds back many would-be flexible workers. Secondly, on a practical level, part-time staff must be allowed greater choice in where they work.

“Giving them the option of working closer to home rather than commuting would make roles significantly more viable.”