Brendan Buck (202) 226-4774

Is Part-Time Work “Going Down,” as Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius Says?

No -- A Record 28 Million Americans Know It’s Never Been Higher

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Washington, October 9, 2013 | comments

“Economists say there is absolutely no evidence that part time work is going up.  In fact, it’s going down.  The height was in the recession.  It’s going down.”  (Secretary Sebelius, The Daily Show, October 7, 2013)

The Facts: Part Time Workers Are Up, Not Down
June 2009 (the last month and highest level of the recession):  27.495 million
August 2013 (most recent):
  27.999 million (an increase of 504,000)


Employed, Usually Work Part Time, Age 16 and Over (Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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