Part-time work and social security: increasing the options

Increasing employment is a key policy goal in the UK, and the Government is
committed to policies that encourage employment among groups who have
traditionally been defined as being outside the labour market. Part-time employment may have an important role to play in helping to achieve these aspirations. For example, part-time jobs can enable people to combine paid work and care work and may be more suitable than full-time work for some people with health problems or disabilities. It can be undertaken alongside education and training to improve skills and longer-term job prospects. Part-time work can also provide a stepping stone into longer hours of work, by enabling people to gain experience and confidence.