Judges will be able to work part time within a year, the government has announced.

Constitutional affairs secretary Lord Falconer revealed that the change would come into effect from April 1, 2005 in a bid to encourage diversity on the bench.

All new and existing salaried appointments below High Court level will have the option of working less than 40 hours per week, in all but exceptional circumstances.

The move has been designed to tempt more women lawyers into stepping up to the top echelon of the legal system.

Ministers are concerned that barristers with a busy family life may prefer to stay in legal practice rather than be obliged to work full time on the judges' circuit.

Lord Falconer said ministers are determined to improve judicial diversity.

"Part-time sitting will help make judicial office more attractive to a wider field of candidates. It is a means of enabling individuals who cannot, or choose not to, commit to a full-time post to serve the judiciary," he said.

"It is a very positive step towards the wider strategy of increasing diversity by removing the barriers that inhibit individuals from considering judicial appointment.

"The government is strongly committed to improving diversity within the judiciary so that it reflects the diversity of the nation.

"It is important that people with a range of backgrounds and experience are attracted to, and are able to remain in, judicial office."