How Many Hours Is Part Time?

According to UK labour laws, full-time workers typically work at least 35 hours per week, making anything less than this a part-time position [1]. With such a flexible definition, it can be up to businesses to decide the schedule and rules surrounding their part-time employees. The answer to “How many hours is part-time?” depends on a business’s specific policy. 

Explore what it means to be a part-time worker, whether it changes your employee rights, and factors to consider when deciding if part-time work is right for you. 

As a part-time worker, are you entitled to a minimum wage?

In the United Kingdom, the National Minimum Wage Act of 1998 established a statutory minimum wage for most workers, including part-time employees [2]. The primary aim of the act was to protect low-paid workers and ensure they receive fair wages for their work. 

Those entitled to the correct minimum wage include employees such as part-time workers, casual labourers, agency workers, project-based workers, apprentices, trainees, disabled workers, and foreign workers. However, several exceptions exist, such as self-employed people, company directors, volunteers, members of the armed forces, family members living in the employer’s home, and work experience students. 

When determining whether you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, it’s important to carefully consider the nature of your employment and work environment. 

What is the National Minimum Wage for part-time workers?

The minimum hourly rate changes based on the age of the employee. If you are 21 or over, you qualify for the National Living Wage, which is higher than the National Minimum Wage. As of 1 April 2024, you can expect the following payment rates [3]:

• Apprentice: £6.40 per hour

• Under 18 years old: £6.40 per hour

• 18-20 years old: £8.60 per hour

• 21+ years old: £11.44 per hour

The National Minimum Wage changes on 1 April of each year, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest developments. Different types of work lead to different minimum wages, but you should receive compensation at the equivalent of the national minimum rates for all work. For example, part-time piece work, meaning work receiving pay per project, should be equivalent to at least the minimum wage per hour worked or at a fair rate for the task.

Overtime and part-time work

It’s also worth noting that “overtime” for full-time employees means working over the hours specified in your employment contract, and your employer will generally specify your overtime pay details when they hire you. While part-time workers may work over their contracted hours, they are not eligible for overtime pay until they work over the threshold for full-time employment.

How many hours is part-time?

The UK government does not define a minimum or maximum number of hours that constitute “part-time,” but full-time employees generally work at least 35 hours per week. Employers have the right to determine the definition of part-time employment based on their labour needs.

Still, it’s worth understanding what constitutes work hours so you can make sure your employer is paying you fairly for the time you do work. The UK government defined working time as time spent at work actively working or on standby, at the workplace during machine breakdowns, waiting to begin work or collect goods, travelling related to work or training, and present at work with workplace responsibilities (even if sleep is allowed). 

Working time does not include travel between the home and the workplace, rest breaks away from work (including sick leave and maternity leave), and when you are sleeping near the workplace on standby with a designated place to sleep. 

Differences between part-time and full-time work

The biggest difference between part-time and full-time is the hours worked, and consequently the benefits given. According to UK labour laws, part-time workers have the same entitlements as full-time workers relating to pay rates, including sick pay and family leave permissions. Employers must also provide part-time workers with the same holiday policies, training opportunities, promotion and transfer treatment, and pension opportunities and benefits. 

In some cases, benefits are 'pro rata’, which means they are proportional to the hours part-time employees work. For example, if full-time workers receive a £2000 bonus at the end of the year and you are a part-time employee working “half time,” you are entitled to a £1000 bonus. 

While part-time workers have protection from being treated poorly by employers because of their part-time status, in some cases employers can petition to not provide part-time employees with certain benefits through “objective justification.” When going over a potential contract, be sure to discuss details with your employer about your hours, benefits, and what your employer considers reasonable compensation.

Benefits of working part-time

Many employees highly value the benefits afforded by part-time work, making it an attractive option. When deciding whether part-time employment suits you, consider the following benefits:

• Control over your schedule: If situations in your personal life make it challenging or impossible to spend the entire day at work, part-time work can allow you to earn an income without sacrificing too much of your time.

• An ability to diversify your income stream: Some people enjoy working in more than one industry. Others want to spend part of the week focused on entrepreneurial interests while still collecting a paycheck from an employer. Part-time work has its benefits if it makes sense to split up your time.

• Opportunity in any industry: For those who are just breaking into a career or are in the process of transitioning to a different industry, part-time work can sometimes provide a foot in the door. You could impress your employer and gain additional hours, or you can leverage the experience for a better role in another company.

Things to consider when working part-time

If you are considering a job working less than 35 hours a week, you may presume that it isn’t a full-time job. When deciding whether to take the position, you must consider what priorities or parameters make an excellent fit for part-time work. This is a personal decision, as the answer has everything to do with your circumstances.

Some things to consider when deciding whether a part-time job is a good fit for you include:

• Are you making enough money for your lifestyle? You’re working to afford to live your life as you design it. Part-time work may or may not cover your expenses. Of course, it may be possible to reduce your expenses so you do not have to work more than 35 hours a week.

• Is the schedule your employer requires clear at the start? You and your employer must understand and agree on the number of hours you will work. Make sure to ask and, even better, get the expectations in writing, either through a job description or a formal job offer.

• Is this a temporary position for you? Consider if you are looking to work more hours before taking a part-time role. Let your employer know you would like them to consider you for a full-time position, and discuss the likelihood of full-time employment to avoid future frustration.

Tips for launching or advancing your career

Part-time jobs are an excellent way to decide if you enjoy the industry or roles in a new career or company. Starting with a limited schedule can provide an opportunity for you to prove your value to a new employer, creating the possibility to earn promotions and better pay.

If you begin on a part-time basis and want to advance your career, make sure you present yourself professionally at all times. This includes showing up for the workday a few minutes before starting your activities, being a positive presence in the workplace by collaborating with your coworkers, and helping to solve problems whenever possible.

Ask your immediate supervisor for feedback regularly and document how you address proposed improvements. 

Build a better CV

Make an effort to learn new skills at your current job. These skills can enhance your CV in case you want to apply for more attractive jobs at other companies.

On average, regular earnings grow each year. For example, in 2023, regular earnings grew by 6.2 per cent [4]. However, you may be able to negotiate a higher pay raise depending on your skill set, performance, and industry.

How to get a part-time job

Whether you’re looking for a part-time job to open your schedule to new hobbies or supplement your existing income, knowing how to get a part-time job can allow you the freedom to make the right decisions for you. Follow these steps to begin your part-time job search. 

1. Determine your availability. Are you looking for a part-time job on the weekends or evenings? How many hours per week are you hoping for? Consider what would fit into your schedule and any flexibility you might have. 

2. Consider the type of work you want. You can explore options by searching online job boards and social media platforms and opening conversations with friends and associates. 

2. Strengthen networking connections you’ve developed in other personal and professional roles, especially within the industry you are pursuing. You can also check locally and strike up conversations with professionals in your area.

3. Determine if additional certifications and degrees are necessary and tailor your CV to the types of opportunities you’re looking for.

Now, you can polish your CV, write a targeted cover letter, and begin the application process. It’s important to stay positive with each new professional experience; every interview is a valuable learning opportunity.

Know the keys to balancing work and personal life

For some people, one of the most challenging parts of professional life is learning how to manage a healthy work-life balance. The foundation of balance is a clear understanding of expectations between you and your employer. Follow these tips to avoid burnout and enjoy all facets of your day:

• Schedule your set working hours and stick to them.

• Block out personal time to enjoy the things you love.

• Build healthy habits that enhance your happiness. 

• Learn how to say no if necessary.

• Create a routine that lets you leave work behind when you arrive home.

It’s your responsibility to create and maintain healthy boundaries between your personal and professional lives. By focusing on this, you can be a better employee in the long term.    

Does working part-time sacrifice professional development? 

Your professional development may look very different from that of others, but part-time work does not mean you have to sacrifice your professional development. For example, it may be best to reduce the number of hours you currently work to reach your goals. You may wonder, “Can you be part-time if you are currently full-time at your job?” 

Start by scheduling a meeting with your immediate supervisor. Come prepared to discuss how and why you can reduce your hours while remaining an essential part of the professional team. Remember: Creativity is a powerful tool for making your career into what you’ve dreamed it to be.

Whether you are full or part-time, you can maximise your impact in the office by developing strong relationships at work. Even if you aren’t working 35 hours a week, you can still play an important role in your company.

Consider these quick tips for building a better professional network, starting with your interpersonal skills:

• Be an active listener and communicate effectively with your coworkers to avoid misunderstanding. 

• Be respectful and offer help whenever possible. 

• Celebrate wins and support your coworkers.

When you treat people well, they’re more likely to return the favour.

Learn a new skill on Coursera

While you won’t find a national guideline, part-time work is generally any employment under 35 hours per week. As a part-time employee, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, alongside benefits, promotions, and other worker protections. 

If you choose part-time work because of the opportunity to diversify your income stream at a lower time commitment, consider signing up for online courses on Coursera. You can take exciting courses offered by top universities, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers or Strategic Leadership and Management to prepare you for your next role.