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What is a part-time worker?

A part-time worker is someone who works fewer hours than a full-time worker. There is no specific number of hours that makes someone full or part-time, but a full-time worker will usually work 35 hours or more a week.

Why you might choose to work part time

The reasons for working part time vary for each individual. It may be that you simply want to have a different work-life balance, or you may have caring responsibilities. If you are interested in changing your working patterns you might find it useful to read about flexible working.

• Flexible working and work-life balance

Jobsharing

Jobsharing arrangements are a special type of part-time work, where a full-time job is divided between two part-time workers. The job can be divided in a number of ways to best suit everyone’s circumstances. For example, you could opt to work mornings and a colleague work in the afternoons. Alternatively, you could split the week between you, both working three set days with a hand-over period on one day of the week.

A jobshare offers the benefit to you and your employer of predictable hours. This gives you the chance to arrange childcare, for example, and they know there will always be cover for the job.

Term-time working

Term-time working is a type of part-time working where you can reduce your hours or take time off during school holidays. This allows parents to deal with childcare in a structured way and gives employers time to plan covering absence.

Employment rights of part-time workers

Part-time workers have the same statutory employment rights as any other employee. You do not have to work a minimum number of hours to qualify for employment rights.

As a part-time worker you have the right to:

• receive the same rights of pay as full-time employees
• not be excluded from training simply because you work part-time
• receive holiday entitlement pro rata to comparable full-time workers
• have any career break schemes, contractual and parental leave made available to you in the same way as for full-time workers
• not be treated less favourably when workers are selected for redundancy

• Employment rights for young people (young people section)

Changing your hours of work

A change in the number of hours you work can have a large impact on your work-life balance. Sometimes, the operational needs of the company you work for may make it necessary to change the number of hours that your work. Whether you work full time or part time however, any changes your employer wants to make to your employment contract must be agreed with you.

It is possible, if you are a part-time worker and your employer insists that you work full time it could constitute indirect sex discrimination.

• Sex discrimination and equal pay

Where to get help

For more information on where to get help with employment issues visit the employment contacts page or find out more about trade unions.

• Employment contacts

• Trade unions

Useful contacts

• Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• Jobcentre Plus

• businesslink.gov.uk Opens new window

• More useful contacts