Right to Part-time Work: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand how employees in companies with 15 or more staff members can legally request a reduction in their working hours.
This scheme provides a legal framework that allows employees to request a reduction in their current working hours.
Who it's for
This right is specifically available to employees working in companies that have a minimum of 15 staff members. If your workplace is smaller than this size, you do not have this specific legal entitlement and must rely on private agreements with your employer instead.
What you get
The primary benefit is the legal right to reduce your working hours. This allows you to transition from a full-time schedule to a part-time schedule, helping you manage your professional responsibilities alongside your personal life or family needs.
What it costs you
There are no application fees or government costs associated with this scheme. However, it does require an investment of your time and effort to manage the negotiation process. You will need to communicate with your employer to discuss how your reduced hours will affect your specific role and how your tasks will be managed.
The catch to know
The main thing to keep in mind is that you must navigate a negotiation with your employer. Because this involves changing your existing contract, you will need to discuss the practicalities of your new schedule with your workplace to reach an agreement.
How to apply
- Confirm that your company meets the size requirement of having 15 or more staff members.
- Determine your desired new working hours.
- Prepare a formal request to present to your employer.
- Discuss the details of your request with your employer to finalize the arrangement.