{"id":14334,"date":"2013-08-01T08:33:00","date_gmt":"2013-08-01T08:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&p=14334"},"modified":"2026-03-20T09:19:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T09:19:33","slug":"part-time-worker-employer-guide","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/contract-of-employment\/part-time-worker-employer-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to employ a part\u2011time worker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Katie Wood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When employing someone on a part\u2011time basis, employers must comply with the Part\u2011time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, which require part\u2011time staff to be treated no less favourably than comparable full\u2011time workers. This protection applies to both employees and workers, and covers any act\u2014or failure to act\u2014by the employer that disadvantages someone because they work part time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because part\u2011time roles are more commonly held by women, employers should also be aware that unfavourable treatment may amount to indirect sex discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Ensuring fair and consistent practices is essential for legal compliance and effective people management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no fixed number of hours that defines part\u2011time work. A part\u2011time employee is simply someone who works fewer hours than a full\u2011time colleague at the same workplace. Part\u2011time arrangements can take many forms, including job\u2011shares, term\u2011time contracts, evening shifts and weekend work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our guide gives you everything you need to confidently and compliantly manage part\u2011time workers. It breaks down the rules on less favourable treatment, equal pay, overtime, annual leave, bank holidays and contractual benefits\u2014with clear, practical examples throughout. You\u2019ll also get straightforward guidance on family\u2011related rights, pension access, redundancy decisions, workload expectations and creating fair opportunities for development and promotion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed for HR professionals, this guide helps you apply the law correctly and build an inclusive workplace where part\u2011time employees can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, learn about:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n