Part-Time Work
Part-time work involves working fewer hours than a full-time role, typically under 35 hours per week, with pro-rata benefits.
Part-time work offers flexibility by allowing you to work fewer hours than a standard full-time role. This arrangement suits people with caring responsibilities, those pursuing education, or anyone seeking better work-life balance.
In the UK, part-time workers have legal protection against discrimination. They're entitled to the same hourly pay rate and pro-rata benefits as full-time colleagues doing equivalent work. This includes holiday entitlement, pension contributions, and access to training.
Part-time roles exist across all industries and seniority levels, though they may be more common in certain sectors like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education.
Key Points
- Typically involves working under 35 hours per week
- Same hourly rate as full-time equivalent roles
- Benefits are calculated pro-rata (proportional to hours)
- Legal protection against less favourable treatment
- Can be combined with other work or study commitments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request to go part-time in my current job?
Yes. All employees with 26 weeks' service have the legal right to request flexible working, including reduced hours. Employers must consider requests reasonably.
Will going part-time affect my career progression?
It shouldn't, but it can in practice. Be proactive about expressing interest in development opportunities and ensure your contributions are visible to decision-makers.