Part time workers: an opportune reminder

A quarter of employees in the UK work on a part-time basis. Since the introduction of the Part Time Working (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, part-time workers have the right not to be treated less favourably than their full-time colleagues.

The general anti-discriminatory principle underpinning this right is familiar, but because the Regulations have something of a lower profile than other anti-discrimination laws, their specific provisions can be overlooked by employers. However, two recent cases provide a reminder of the protection afforded to part-time workers.

In drawing attention to the existence and operation of the Regulations, the recent cases of Sharma v. Manchester City Council and Matthews and others v. Kent & Medway Towns Fire Authority and others, emphasise how important it is for employers to review and, where necessary, adjust, all elements of their treatment of their part-time workers, from the payment of overtime to their approach to flexible working.

Read Wragge & Co's expert analysis of the situation.