Deciding between a full-time or part-time role can be tricky…
Each comes with its own set of rules, benefits, and challenges, and the right choice often depends on your personal circumstances, career goals, and lifestyle.
For most roles, how your job is classified comes down to the hours you work. Knowing the difference between full-time and part-time working is essential to finding the perfect fit for your schedule.
To help you decide, here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding full-time and part-time hours, your rights as a worker, and the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
What are full-time hours?
In the UK, there’s no official number of hours that makes a job full-time, but most employers consider full-time work to be around 35 hours per week or more.
This can vary depending on the industry and the specific company. For some roles, as few as 30 hours per week might be classified as full-time.
The best way to know for sure is to check your employment contract or ask your employer directly.
Why does employment law exist?
How many hours is part-time?
Similarly to full-time hours, there’s no official definition for part-time hours. A part-time role can be anything from a few hours a week up to 34 hours.
Whether you work a few hours or closer to full-time, your employer must treat you the same as a full-time employee. This protection ensures you receive fair treatment regardless of your working hours.
What are my rights as a part-time worker?
Part-time workers have the same rights as their full-time colleagues, and employers cannot treat them less favourably. This principle is a cornerstone of UK employment law.
This means part-time staff should be treated the same when it comes to:
- Rates of pay: Including sick pay and redundancy pay.
- Holiday and leave: Including annual leave, maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental leave.
- Pension entitlement: Access to company pension schemes.
- Training and career development: Opportunities for professional growth.
- Promotion opportunities: Fair consideration for career progression.
Some benefits, like health insurance or bonuses, may be offered on a ‘pro rata’ basis, meaning they are proportional to the hours you work.
For example, if a full-time employee gets a £1,000 bonus, a part-time employee working half the hours would receive £500. Overtime pay might also differ, so it’s important to check your employment contract for these details.
What are the most hours you can work?
Legally, you can’t be required to work more than an average of 48 hours per week, calculated over a 17-week period.
However, you can choose to ‘opt out’ of this limit if you want to work more hours. This must be a voluntary agreement in writing.
Some professions are exempt from the 48-hour week rule, such as:
- The armed forces
- The emergency services
- Some security and surveillance positions
- Sea fishing
- Other roles requiring 24-hour staffing
The rules are different if you’re under 18. For more detailed information, visit the gov.uk page on maximum weekly working hours.
What kind of jobs are full-time?
Full-time employment is common across almost every industry, from entry-level positions to senior management roles.
Some sectors where full-time work is particularly standard include:
- Finance and Banking: Roles like Accountants, Financial Analysts, and Bank Managers.
- IT and Technology: Software Developers, IT Support Specialists, and Data Scientists often work full-time hours.
- Engineering: From Civil Engineers to Mechanical Engineers, projects often demand full-time commitment.
- Healthcare: While flexible shifts are available, many roles like Doctors, Nurses, and administrative staff are full-time.
A full-time contract offers stability and is often the default for professional career paths.
View all available full-time jobs now
Advantages of working full-time hours
Working full-time is a big commitment, but it comes with several key advantages:
- Higher income: Generally leads to a higher salary and greater financial stability.
- Full benefits: Often includes comprehensive employee benefits like health insurance, full bonuses, and more generous pension contributions.
- Career progression: More time on the job can lead to faster skill development and more opportunities for promotion.
- Greater involvement: Being present full-time often means you’re more integrated into the company culture and involved in key projects.
- More on-the-job experience: The more hours you work, the more experience and on-the-job training you gain.
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What kind of jobs are part-time?
Part-time jobs are available in nearly every sector and offer great flexibility. They’re perfect for students, parents, caregivers, or anyone looking to balance work with other commitments.
Part-time jobs with flexible hours
These roles allow you to fit work around your life. Many administrative, customer service, and creative jobs offer flexible part-time schedules.
Evening and weekend jobs
If you have commitments during the day, evening and weekend jobs are a great option. These are common in retail, hospitality, and the entertainment industry.
Night shift warehouse work
For the night owls, night shift warehouse work offers roles in logistics and distribution, often with higher pay rates to compensate for the unsociable hours.
10 hours a week jobs
Working 10 hours a week is ideal for those who need a small, steady income without a huge time commitment. Examples include tutoring, freelance writing, or working as a barista.
16 hours a week jobs
Often the minimum required to qualify for certain benefits, 16 hours a week jobs are popular in retail, care work, and administrative support.
20 hours a week jobs
Working 20 hours a week strikes a balance between a significant work contribution and having free time. These roles are common in sectors like marketing, HR, and finance.
View all available part-time jobs now
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Advantages of working part-time hours
Part-time working can be a fantastic choice, offering a range of benefits that support a balanced lifestyle:
- Better work-life balance: More time for family, hobbies, studying, or just relaxing.
- Reduced stress: Fewer working hours can lead to a less stressful work life.
- Cost savings: Potential savings on childcare and commuting costs.
- Flexibility: Part-time work often comes with more flexible scheduling options.
- Testing the waters: A great way to try out a new industry or career path without making a full commitment.
- Opportunities for overtime: You might have the option to pick up extra hours when it suits you.
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What other types of employment contracts are there?
Besides full-time and part-time positions, there are several other types of employment contracts. These include:
Each contract has its own set of rules and benefits. To learn more, read our quick guide on the different types of employment contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Do part-time employees receive the same benefits as full-time workers?
Part-time employees are entitled to many of the same benefits as full-time employees, but some perks may be adjusted based on the number of hours you work. Always check your employment contract and ask your employer if you have questions about specific benefits.
Can I switch between full-time and part-time work within the same company?
Many companies will consider requests to move between full-time and part-time hours. If your circumstances change, talk to your manager or HR team about the options and make a formal request if needed.
How do holiday entitlements compare?
Part-time workers are legally entitled to paid holiday. The amount is calculated in proportion to the number of hours or days you work, so you’ll earn leave relative to your schedule.
Will going part-time affect my career progression?
Moving to part-time work does not automatically limit career progression, but it may affect opportunities in certain sectors or roles. Many employers support flexible working patterns, and your achievements and performance remain the most important factors.
Are zero-hours contracts the same as part-time?
No, zero-hours contracts do not guarantee a fixed number of hours each week, while part-time contracts offer a regular schedule. The predictability and stability of part-time hours can be quite different from zero-hours arrangements.
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