Working part time does not mean fewer rights. In the UK, part-time workers are protected from being treated less favourably than comparable full-time colleagues simply because they work fewer hours.
Equal treatment
Under the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, you should receive the same hourly rate of pay and the same access to training, promotion and benefits as a comparable full-time worker, with entitlements such as pension and holiday applied pro rata to your hours.
Holiday
Workers are entitled to statutory paid holiday, worked out in proportion to the hours or days they work. Your employer or the government’s holiday entitlement calculator can confirm your figure.
Written terms
You are entitled to a written statement of your main terms, including your hours, pay and how you are paid, from your first day of work. If hours can vary, ask how changes to your shifts are notified.
Where to get advice
Free, impartial help is available from Acas, Citizens Advice and, for workers in membership, a trade union. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Find part-time roles
Browse the latest part-time retail and hospitality vacancies on Part Time Careers, each linked to the employer’s own application page.