The UK Government is introducing measures to give part-time
employees the right not to be treated less favourably than
full-timers. The regulations, subject to Parliamentary approval,
will come into force on 1st July 2000 and cover pay, pensions,
training and holidays.
Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said that the proposals "will ensure that part-timers are no longer discriminated against…, whilst avoiding unnecessary burdens on business."
Under the new regulations, part-timers will:
- Receive the same hourly rate as comparable full-time workers;
- Receive the same hourly rate of over-time;
- Not be excluded from training simply because they work part-time; and
- Have the same entitlements to annual leave and maternity/paternal leave on a pro rata basis as their full-time colleagues.
The full title of the regulations is The Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 and they are available at www.dti.gov.uk/er/ptime.htm
