Ending part-time prejudice

INDUSTRY

Firms are finding it difficult to recruit part-timers because people mistakenly feel the work is badly paid and a dead end, according to a new report.

Traditional prejudices against part-time work discourage many people, especially women returning to work after a career break, from applying, said marketing firm CPM. The company, which aims to recruit 1,500 mainly part-time workers over the next year, said many people had outdated perceptions of part-time work.

Director Matt Rowland-Jones said: "If part-time jobs are to be filled and people helped back into the labour market, then the public's perception of part-time working must be changed dramatically."

Companies should offer flexible hours, competitive wages, holiday pay, training and a structured career path, he suggested