text: One million men are now actively choosing to work part-time as they become more involved in childcare or retire gradually. Official figures show there has been a stark 14 per cent rise in the number of men opting to work part-time in the last two years. This compares to a 4 per cent rise in women choosing part-time work over the same period, according to the Office for National Statistics. One million men have chosen to work part-time as they become more involved in childcare or are retiring gradually . There are now 1.02million men in the UK who have opted to work reduced hours, compared to 4.58million women – who more commonly work part-time to care for children or family. It follows a sharp rise in the number of stay-at-home fathers, with the latest figures showing a 6 per cent annual rise, compared to a 28 per cent fall in the number of stay-at-home mothers. Men now make up one in 10 parents who care for their children or family full-time. But recruitment experts said the rise in part-time male workers also signalled an increase in pre-tirement – a trend where older gradually reduce their hours rather than suddenly retiring. Out of the 8.2million part-time workers in the UK, 5.6million have chosen to work shorter hours, 1.35million cannot find full-time work, 200,000 are ill or disabled and 1.02million are students. Karen Mattison, of Timewise – a company which helps people find flexible work – said: ‘In the past, discussions about flexible work have tended to focus more on women – and particularly mothers – rather than on men. ‘The challenge we face, is debunking the myth of the outdated perception of what flexible working means and for who. ‘Just as there is ‘no one reason’ for needing flexibility, there is no one ‘gender’ who needs it either. ‘Out of the 5.6 million people now choosing to work part time in the UK, the number of men now doing this has now hit the one million mark. ‘This is the future of work as we know it, and it is refreshing. Those who choose to work flexibly – be it reducing their hours or increasing their home working – are shaking up the status quo for both businesses and employees.’ There are now 1.02million men in the UK who have decided to reduce their hours compared to 4.58million women . Patrick Foley, Lloyds Banking Group’s chief economist, is one of a growing number of executives opting for part-time work. He is one of the most senior leaders at the group, yet works three days a week. He said that opting for part-time after many years of full-time work had enabled him to write a book and compete in Ironman triathlon races. Mr Foley said: ‘Having started working part time, I only wish I had done this earlier. It has brought new balance into my life without impacting my contribution in the office.’
target: Only 4% more women have chosen to go part-time over the last two years .
  There are now 1.02million men in UK who have decided to reduce hours .
  Men now make up 10% of parents who care for children or family full-time .