Doing the right thing can prove a lonely and isolating experience

Juggling a career while looking after loved ones can prove difficult and means many people are excluded from the traditional nine-to-five working life.

Four out of 10 mothers and one out of 10 fathers have either given up or turned down a job to care for others.

The EOC is launching a probe to see how the labour market needs to be changed.

The investigation will look at obstacles faced by parents and carers who need part-time or flexible working hours so they can look after people at home.

In particular, the EOC will assess what impact there is on the UK economy when skilled and experienced employees give up their jobs because they cannot cope with the demands of work and home.

Downgraded

More men and women than ever before are involved with caring for others whilst holding down a paid job, and this is set to increase, the EOC warned.

Julie Mellor, chair of the EOC, said it was essential to tackle the "popular misconceptions" about the value of flexible and part-time workers if the UK's employers are to compete in today's 24-7 global economy.

"We are deeply concerned that, despite this government's efforts to widen access to flexible working at all levels, some people are still being told the only way that they can continue working, with a family, is to accept a downgraded job."

Women have a rawer deal on the pay front, the EOC said, as those who work part-time earn 40% less per hour than men working full-time.