Switching from Full-time to Part-time?

Augmerson

Hello all, was wondering if anyone could help at all on a question I have. I am currently employed full-time at my job but I am considering going to part-time employment as I wish to complete either a part-time, night-time or distant learning course. What I am worried about is that my employer will simply let me go if I come forward with this.

I have been working at my job since September 2008. I was told at my interview that it would not be good if I was doing any other courses or jobs but was not told it was against company policy and in any case would employment law not trump company policy?

My understanding of employment law is that an employer cannot treat a part-time employee any differently than a full-time employee as long as a certain period of employment has been done.

I think that from January onwards, having my hours reduced would be beneficial to my employers because of reduced business (I work in retail, it won't be as busy). I would greatly appreciate any help or advice or anything that would shed more light on the situation, thank you

tenchi-fan

Your employer doesn't have to allow you to go part-time. If you're not willing to work full-time your employer can let you go.

Augmerson

Just found this on Citizensinformation -
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/types_of_employment/part_time_employment/part_time_workers.html

"Following the introduction of the Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working (pdf) in 2006 best practice for employers is to have policies on improving access to part-time work. The Code of Practice aims to encourage employers and employees to consider part-time work and provides guidance on procedures to improve access to part-time work for those employees who wish to work on a part-time basis. In general employers should consider how to introduce opportunities for part-time work and should maximise the range of posts available for part-time work.

It is important to remember that if you are in full-time employment, you do not have a statutory right to change to part-time employment or to other flexible working arrangements such as job sharing or unpaid time off work. If you wish to change from full-time to part-time work or from part-time to full-time work it is a matter to be agreed between you and your employer.

Requests for part-time work
If you make a request for part-time work, your employer should have a procedure for dealing with your application which allows for consultation and discussion before a decision is made. Your employer should consider your request seriously and take factors into account such as your personal family needs, the implications for the organisation, the number of part-time employees, the equal opportunities policy and the staffing needs of the organisation. Your request should be considered on non-discriminatory grounds in accordance with employment equality legislation.

Your employer may refuse your request but should have good reasons for refusing it, for example, that it would lead to staffing difficulties in the organisation. You should be given the reasons for the refusal."

Pretty much answers what I was looking. Thanks also Techi-fan.

Mrs OBumble

If I was you, I'd be trying to subtly make your employer think that you going to part time was their idea.