Part-Time Workers Rights Guide
Understanding your rights as a part-time worker is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers all your legal entitlements, from equal treatment to flexible working rights, updated with the latest 2024 legislation.
Core Legal Rights in 2025
Equal Treatment Protection
• Equal hourly pay rates
• Same overtime rates
• Identical training opportunities
• Equal career progression
• Access to company benefits
New for 2024: Day-one right to request flexible working and enhanced protections for pregnant workers.
Key Legislation
• Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000
• Working Time Regulations 1998
• Flexible Working Regulations 2024
Holiday and Leave Rights
Annual Leave Calculator
Your Holiday Entitlement = (Your Hours ÷ Full-Time Hours) × 28 days
Example:
Full-time hours: 37.5
Your hours: 20
Holiday = (20 ÷ 37.5) × 28 = 14.93 days
Types of Leave Entitlement
• Annual leave (pro-rata)
• Bank holidays (pro-rata)
• Sick leave
• Maternity/Paternity leave
• Parental leave
• Compassionate leave
• Emergency time off
Flexible Working Rights 2025
New Day-One Right to Request
• No waiting period required
• Eight valid business reasons for rejection
• Maximum decision time: 2 months
• Right to appeal decisions
Types of Flexible Working
• Reduced hours
• Changed start/finish times
• Compressed hours
• Homeworking
• Job sharing
• Term-time working
Pay and Benefits Rights
Equal Pay Protection
• Same base rate as full-time colleagues
• Pro-rata salary calculation
• Equal bonus scheme access
• Commission opportunities
• Performance-related pay
Benefits Entitlement
• Pension access
• Healthcare schemes
• Company discounts
• Travel allowances
• Training budgets
Maternity and Family Rights
Maternity Leave
• 52 weeks entitlement
• 39 weeks statutory pay
• Keep all employee benefits
• Return to work rights
• KIT (Keeping in Touch) days
Family-Friendly Rights
• Paternity leave
• Shared parental leave
• Parental leave
• Time off for dependants
• Flexible working requests
Protection Against Discrimination
Protected Characteristics
• Part-time status
• Gender
• Age
• Disability
• Pregnancy/maternity
• Family status
Common Examples
• Overlooking for promotion
• Excluding from training
• Reducing hours without agreement
• Different treatment in redundancy
• Denial of benefits
Redundancy Rights
Equal Treatment in Redundancy
• Fair selection criteria
• Pro-rata redundancy pay
• Suitable alternative employment
• Consultation rights
• Appeal process
Redundancy Pay Calculator
Years of Service × Weekly Pay × Pro-Rata Percentage
Maximum weekly pay: £643 (2024)
Maximum service counted: 20 years
Enforcement of Rights
Steps to Take
- Informal discussion with the employer
- Formal grievance procedure
- ACAS Early Conciliation
- Employment Tribunal claim
Time Limits
• Equal pay claims: 6 months
• Discrimination claims: 3 months
• Unfair dismissal: 3 months
• Written terms: 3 months
Common Workplace Scenarios
Case Studies
Scenario 1: Denied Training Opportunities Resolution: Successfully challenged through grievance procedure
Scenario 2: Unequal Bonus Treatment Resolution: Received pro-rata backdated payment
Scenario 3: Flexible Working Refusal Resolution: Appeal won with a modified proposal
FAQs
Can my employer change my hours without agreement? No, any change to contracted hours requires mutual agreement or proper consultation.
Am I entitled to the same pension as full-time colleagues? Yes, you have the right to join the same pension scheme with contributions calculated pro-rata.
Do I get bank holidays off if I don't normally work those days? You're entitled to a pro-rata bank holiday allowance regardless of your working pattern.
Taking Action
Document Everything
• Keep written records
• Save emails and communications
• Note dates and times
• Record witness details
• Maintain a timeline of events
Support Resources
• ACAS Helpline
• Citizens Advice
• Trade Unions
• Employment Lawyers
• HR Department
Looking for employers who value part-time workers?
Browse our vetted opportunities or register with Flexi Jobs to get matched with inclusive employers.