All about Part Time Working

There are many reasons why people choose to work part time. It can be a good way to earn money while balancing other commitments such as family life. Part time working is great for those who can afford it as it allows them to earn money while still enjoying a certain amount of free time. People who work part time are entitled to the same rights as their full time counterparts.

Part Time Working

What is Part Time Working

A part time worker does not work as many hours as full time workers. However, there is no set number of hours that a person has to do to be considered part time. Full time workers usually work between 35 and 40 hours each week. Part time workers generally work from 16 to 25 hours but may work less or more than this.

Reasons for Part Time Working

There are many reasons why people choose to work part time. Many mums returning to work after the birth of a child will opt for part time work as it allows them to spend more time at home with their family. Some people choose to work part time as they get older. They do not want to leave the work force completely but may benefit from cutting down their hours. For some people, part time work is the only work they can find and they will do it until more hours become available or until they can find an alternative full time position.

Types of Part Time Working

Many companies understand the importance of getting the work-life balance right and will provide employees with the opportunity to avail of certain flexible working schemes. Job sharing is a scheme that allows two people to share the same position within a company. There may be options for a week on/week off pattern or the two people could share the working day with one working in the morning and one in the afternoon. Another option is to work three days one week and two the next, with the other person covering alternate days.

Parents will often require time off during the school holidays, as it may be difficult to arrange care for the children during this time. Some employers will allow their staff to work just during school term time. That means they will not have to work during school holidays. This option is preferable for a lot of people and, in many cases, they can get their payment for the weeks actually worked, spread over the full year, meaning that they will not have periods in which they are not paid.

Equal Rights

Those working part time are entitled to the same rights as those who work full time hours. Part time workers are entitled to the same rate of pay as full time workers (and this includes sick pay and maternity pay). Benefits and pension opportunities must also be applicable to all workers, regardless of whether they work full time or part time.

Workers cannot be overlooked for promotion opportunities based on the fact that they work part time, and holidays must be calculated in the same way for both full and part time workers. However, when calculating holidays and bonuses for example, an employer may calculate the part time workers entitlement on a pro rata basis. It is important to note that in terms of overtime, employers can set the number of hours worked the same. That means that if overtime is applicable after forty hours for full time staff, it will be the same for part time staff and the part timer will have to work more than forty hours to be entitled to the overtime rate of pay.

Finding Part Time Work

If you are looking for part time work, contact HR Recruitment Services. We work with some of the top companies in Scotland and have offices in Glasgow and Inverness. We can find full and part time positions for workers across the country and offer a professional service every time.

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