Training and Career Experiences of Women Part-time Workers in a Finance Sector Organisation: Persistent Remnant of the ‘Reserve Army’?

Presenting findings of case study research on employees in a finance sector organisation, this paper explores the linkages between dependant care responsibilities, part-time work and the implications for training and career progression. The study finds that while overtly equitable training and career progression policies exist, the experiences of part-time employees with caring responsibilities are a persistent remnant of the ‘reserve army’ mentality; i.e. women part-time workers are seen as peripheral to the core business and deterred from critical training essential to career progression within the organisation.