BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

News Review
Women working more since pandemic

The story

Men in the UK are working fewer hours, while women are working more.

Since the pandemic the average number of hours worked in the UK has dropped,
especially in men.

At the same time, the number of women working full time has increased, possibly
due to more flexible working.

Some experts believe the overall drop in working hours may be bad for the
economy.

Key words and phrases

pick up the slack

do work that someone else hasn't done
• Tony left suddenly, we're all going to have to pick up the slack.
• Sorry I had to leave early. Thanks for picking up the slack.

drive the trend

make a pattern happen
• The hot weather has driven the trend for gourmet ice cream.
• Environmental concerns have driven the trend for plant-based food.

put in
spend
• If you put in the hours, you'll get promoted.
• My aunt put a lot of money into my company.

News Review ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2024

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