Introduction
Part-time work is when a worker is contracted for anything less than basic full-time hours at that workplace. There are no set number of hours that makes someone full or part-time.
Part-time workers have the right not to be treated 'less favourably' than a full time worker doing the same or similar work regarding their terms of employment. In effect, this means pro-rata entitlements to the same:
It also means no less favourable treatment when it comes to issues such as:
- training and career development opportunities (including selection for promotion or transfer)
- selection for redundancy
- career breaks.
There is no qualifying period of service for equality of rights, nor an upper age limit, and all part-time workers have immediate rights.
When identifying whether you, as a part-time worker, are being treated equally, you should identify a full-time colleague to compare yourself with.