The UK needs to create 850,000 more jobs to get back to its pre-recession employment level, a study has shown.
Although the current number of people in work is nearly 30 million - the highest on record - the employment rate is still only 58.7% of the adult population, which has grown by 1.7 million over the last few years.
In 2008 peak employment was 60.3%, and 850,000 more jobs are needed before this rate is reached again.
The Resolution Foundation, which researched this issue, has found that since 2008 the UK economy has created 282,000 part-time and 282,000 self-employed jobs, while there are 545,000 fewer full -time jobs.
UnemployedNet has written before about the self-employment problem, suggesting that many of those registering are doing so because they have no other work options and without a viable business.
Although more full-time than part-time jobs have begun to be created over the last few months, the Resolution Foundation's figures show there is still some way to go before the economy gets back to full health.
The study also shows that much of the growth in employment has come among the over-65s; while some want to stay in work, many have been forced to because their pensions and investments have suffered through low interest rates and returns.
With population growth projected at 340,000 people per year, the UK economy needs to create 200,000 new jobs each year just to maintain its current employment rate, a scenario the Resolution Foundation sees as unlikely.
James Plunkett, Resolution's director of policy, said: "The employment growth we've seen in recent months has been remarkable given the continuing weakness of GDP and is a rare positive piece of economic news.
"But focusing on today's record levels of employment underplays the fact that the employment rate is still far below its level in 2008.
"The UK needs to create around 50,000 additional jobs a quarter just to stand still. Moving back decisively towards fuller employment will be a long, hard road, especially as our workforce continues to age."