Jobs under 16 hours

Part-time job definition

There is no formal definition of a part-time worker, save that they work less hours than full-time employees.

In the United Kingdom, a full-time employee typically works at least 35 hours a week. Part-time employees' rights are legally guaranteed under the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Unfavorable Treatment) Regulations 2000.

The rules have Northern Ireland counterparts.

Different forms of part-time employment

Part-time employment includes both term-time work and job sharing. Members who work under such terms have the same rights as regular part-time employees.

Part-time employee pay rates

Your employer is required by law to give equal compensation for equal effort. Part-time and full-time employees performing the same job should be paid the same hourly wage.

However, you may not be entitled to the same overtime rate as a full-time worker until you have worked the same amount of hours as the full-time worker before receiving the overtime rate.

What are the rights of part-time workers?

Part-time employees have the right to all of the benefits and protection that full-time employees get in proportion to the amount of hours worked, unless the difference in treatment can be explained objectively.

If you work part-time, you should be paid the same as a full-time employee for:

yearly leave; maternity pay and leave; parental leave; training; opportunity for advancement; pension plans; travel allowance

Can you go from full-time to part-time employment?

You may request that your employer allow you to work part-time, but they are not required to accept your request unless you wish to work part-time to care for a child or an adult who need care (known as a flexible working request) and have been on the job for at least 26 weeks.

Your company has the right to reject your application, but they must explain why.

Is it possible for your company to increase your hours from part-time to full-time?

No, your employer cannot adjust your hours without your consent.

Part-time employee tax

If you work part-time and earn more than a particular amount, your employer must take tax and national insurance payments from your pay as if you were working full-time.

If you work part-time for more than one employer, you will be assigned a unique tax code to ensure that you are taxed correctly.