Part‐Time Work in the EEC Countries: Evolution during the 1980s

Whereas part‐time working remains the exponent par excellence of the flexibility of female employment, its relative growth seems to have come to a standstill in both Denmark and the United Kingdom as far as women are concerned, and for men it is now becoming more a matter of young people offsetting studies and work. In France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Ireland and Germany, the increase in female employment between 1983 and 1989 is largely attributable to the growth of part‐time employment. The difference with respect to the countries of the South of Europe is striking since the proportion of part‐time working there is low, and has not increased significantly since 1983. Its concentration in already very close sectors, its non‐optional nature, insecurity and awkward working hours make part‐time employment of very little personal value for employees. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reservedSCOPUS: ar.jFLWNA