Part time working more popular

Part-time working is becoming increasingly popular following the pandemic due to employee’s looking for more flexibility. Some sectors facing recruitment challenges are also finding that offers of part-time working open up a fresh seam of candidates.

Recently, an insurance employer stated that they had seen an increase in female appointments within their structure following a policy decision to advertise all roles as open to part-time and flexible working. The insurer also saw 45% more women appointed into senior roles since this policy was introduced.

It is worth noting that several obligations and legal considerations arise with part-time working arrangements and contractual terms:

• Under the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000/1551, employees must not be treated less favourably because of their part-time status. For example, assuming their level of contribution is less than full time employees or awarding a lower pay rise.
• Consideration must be given to rewards and benefits. In principle, it would be unlawful to refuse to extend the same benefits (despite the potential costs) – employers must pro rate these entitlements.
• Careful consideration must be given to rules around overtime working and holiday accrual and holiday pay. Statutory holidays may vary depending on the days worked and this needs to be addressed such that part time workers receive their pro rata holiday entitlement.

Should you have any questions relating to this, or any other subject, contact us on 0800 995 121