25 per cent of top businessmen are to go part time to be better dads

25 per cent of high powered men will ditch the office to begin to work part-time by 2024 – as they take on bigger roles in their children’s lives, research has claimed.

Across the board – 20 per cent of male workers will go part-time to see their children grow up – but the withdrawal from full time careers is particularly pronounced in top managers.

Interestingly, there will only be a 7 per cent increase in the number of women going part time, the study stated – and there is expected to be a similar number who will actually increase their hours to full time work.

The research was carried out by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

Lesley Giles, deputy director at UKCES, said that while part-time jobs are most common in low-paid professions – and are dominated now by women – the study shows this pattern is going to change.

The increase in men working flexible hours has been catalysed by the right to shared parental leave, she said. Coupled with other changes, like the growth in jobs in sectors traditionally dominated by women, this could represent a real change in the way people work and the way we understand gender roles in the labour market.

Simon Allport, North West senior partner at EY, who works flexibly, said that it is not hard to understand the reasons behind this trend. “Quite simply, flexible working is a source of competitive advantage to employers,” he said. “It helps companies to attract and retain talented individuals.

“I took the decision to working flexbily in 2013 to spend more time with my family. The firm’s leadership, colleagues and clients have been hugely supportive and it’s brought a number of benefits for the business.

“We need to recognise that the world of work is changing and that a mature, modern workforce is flexible,” he added.

HR magazine reported this interesting forecast change in work patterns.