The provided bar graph illustrates the proportion of part-time workers in four countries of the United Kingdom, namely England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, in the years 1980 and 2010.
Overall, the percentage of part-time employment increased in most of the United Kingdom during the 30-year period. Wales had the highest proportion of part-time workers in both 1980 and 2010, while Northern Ireland and Scotland had the lowest percentages in 2010 and 1980 respectively.
In detail, the percentage of part-time workers experienced an upward trend in three of the countries. However, in Northern Ireland, there was a decrease, dropping to below 15% in 2010. Wales had the highest percentage of part-time workers in both years, with approximately 35% in 2010 and just over 30% in 1980. Conversely, the lowest rate in 2010 was observed in Northern Ireland at about 18%, while in 1980, the smallest percentage was recorded in Scotland, at approximately 12%.
The percentage of part-time workers in England increased by more than 5% during the given period, rising from around 25% in 1980 to over 30% in 2010. These percentages ranked as the second highest in both years, reflecting a notable increase in underemployment in England.