What Rights Do Part Time Workers Have?

In Northern Ireland, 82% of part-time employees are women. 39% of female employees work part-time compared to 9% of men. That means that excluding part-time workers from any post or promotion has a more adverse affect on women, and this amounts to indirect sex discrimination.

That’s what happened to a local schoolteacher…

Catherine McCormick has been teaching at Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, since 2007. After returning from maternity leave, she started working three days a week instead of five, to help with her childcare responsibilities.

When the opportunity arose to act as Temporary Head of English, a colleague was offered the role because it was full-time. As a part-time worker, Catherine was deprived of the opportunity to apply.

Catherine’s case was supported by the Equality Commission NI, and she was awarded £5,000.

The school has since launched a new policy to ensure future opportunities for career enhancement are dealt with correctly, and the Board of Governors are arranging training in recruitment and selection, with specific focus on part-time workers.

Part time employees often find themselves treated differently in relation to terms and conditions meaning they are paid less or have less holiday entitlement. This is also unlawful. For further details, please click here.

What this means to you

Your employer should not put you at a disadvantage because you work part-time or flexibly, even if it’s unintentional.

If you feel that you’re being treated unfairly, please give us a call and we’ll advise the next steps to take.

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About Us

Employment Law Solicitors Belfast & Newcastle
Paul Doran Law - The Solicitors For
Employees In Belfast And Newcastle

Employment Law Solicitors Belfast & Newcastle
Paul Doran Law - The Soklicitors For Employees In Belfast And Newcastle

Paul Doran Law are employment law specialists who only act for employees and claimants who find themselves in dispute with their employees. we specialise in assisting employees to ensure that we can obtain the best results for you.

Our solicitors are admitted to the roll in England and Wales and we can act for clients in the Employment Tribunals in Northern Ireland and Scotland.