Working Part-Time

What are the pros and cons of part-time work?

There are pros and cons of being a part time worker. One of the advantages of being part time worker is obviously you have better work/life balance. Also, if you're a carer for a child or an elderly relative, it means that you can work around them a little bit more, because you can be a bit more flexible in terms of what hours you're doing. One disadvantage of working part time, however, is obviously that you're going to get paid less money than somebody that's on full time, but also you may not be entitled to work overtime. Some employers will want you to work a full week before you qualify for overtime payment and so you may not get that. The theory is that you are suppose to receive the same benefits, terms and conditions as someone who is on full time employment, and there is legislation introduced to ensure that part time workers are protected. However, if an employer can give objective justification for paying you less or giving you less benefits, this is a legitimate business reason as to why they have to pay you less.

Do I have the same rights and benefits if I work part-time?

In theory, you do have the same rights and benefits as someone who works full-time if you're working part-time. Legislation has been brought in to ensure that people who work part-time are not treated less favourably than someone who works full-time. However, some employers may have objective justification or good legitimate business grounds to pay someone less or give them fewer benefits, if they're a part-time worker as opposed to a full-time worker.

Will I get the same holidays if I work part-time?

You are entitled to statute minimum holidays if you work part-time. But, obviously, that's going to be in proportion to someone who works full-time. Someone who works full-time is entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year. If you're a part-time worker, and you work, for example, 80 percent of the working week, then you'd be entitled to 80 percent of that paid holiday.

Will I have the same rights and benefits if I'm on work experience?

Work experience is a difficult thing because it means different things to different people. If you're just work shadowing and you're just doing it on a voluntary basis, as part of school, for example, then you haven't got an employment relationship. It really depends on what type of work experience you're talking about. Is there some sort of contract in place that sets out what rights you get? Are you an employee? Work experience tends to be quite informal in short term. Generally, you don't have the same employee rights when you're doing work experience, because what you're trying to do is gain the skills to perform that role in the future, or decide if you want to do that role.

Can I get a part time job if I'm in full-time education?

You are able to get a part time job if you're in full time education. Obviously, you need to speak to your employer and let them know you're in full time education. They'll have to work around your hours, and you'll also be liable to pay income tax and special insurance contributions provided you are above the minimum thresholds that are set at that time.

Do I have to pay tax if I'm in full time education?

You do have to pay tax if you're in full time education. You will obviously be earning less and you may not fulfil the minimum financial thresholds in order have to pay those taxes or match insurance contributions, but if you do, you are liable for tax.