Underemployment epidemic

One in 10 of all workers in the UK is now officially underemployed, according to new figures.

A study from the Office For National Statistics (ONS) shows that 3.05 million workers want to work more hours each week, out of a total workforce of 29.41 million.

This is 980,000 higher than four years ago when the economic recession began. Most of the underemployment is concentrated among part-time workers.

"During this period many workers moved from full-time to part-time roles and many of those returning to work after a period of unemployment could only find part-time jobs," the statistical office said.

"Of the extra one million underemployed workers in 2012 compared with 2008, three-quarters were in part-time posts."