§ 26. Siobhain McDonaghTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the effect of the part-time working directive on women. [47496]
§ Ms RuddockWe are committed to part-time workers having at least the same rights as full-time workers. This is particularly important for women as 83 per cent. of part-time workers are women. Implementation of the Part-time Working Directive will remove discrimination against them and increase the status of part-time work generally. This is a positive step for all those who choose to work part-time in order to balance work and family life.