The bar chart illustrates the percentage of part-time workers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 1980 and 2010.
Overall, the proportion of part-time employment increased across most of the UK, with the exception of Northern Ireland, where it declined. Wales consistently had the highest percentage of part-time workers, while Scotland had the lowest in 1980, and Northern Ireland recorded the smallest proportion in 2010.
In 1980, approximately a quarter (25%) of England’s workforce was in part-time employment. Wales had the highest percentage, with around 33% engaged in part-time work. By 2010, both nations saw an increase, with England’s figure surpassing 30% and Wales experiencing a smaller rise to just over 35%.
Scotland had the lowest proportion of part-time workers in 1980, at just above 10%. However, it experienced a substantial increase, almost doubling to nearly 20% by 2010. In contrast, Northern Ireland was the only country to witness a decline, falling from approximately 15% in 1980 to just under 13% three decades later.