Choosing between offering full-time or part-time hours is a key decision for any business. The choice impacts flexibility, cost, productivity, and ultimately the employee experience. Understanding what counts as full-time and part-time work, along with the legal requirements in the UK, helps you make smarter workforce decisions that align with your company’s needs.
In this guide, we’ll answer essential questions such as:
- How many hours is full time in the UK?
- What are part-time hours?
- What legal protections do part-time employees have?
- What are the pros and cons of each type of employment?
Finally, we’ll show how Token Talent HR software can help you manage both employment types with ease.
How Many Hours Is Full-Time in the UK?
In the UK, a full-time job typically involves 35 to 40 hours per week. However, this varies depending on the industry and company policy.
According to the Working Time Regulations, employees should not work more than 48 hours per week unless they’ve opted out. This law ensures employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents workplace exploitation.
How Many Hours Is Part-Time?
Unlike full-time, there’s no strict legal definition of part-time work. Generally, part-time employees work less than 30 hours per week.
- The minimum can be as little as 8–10 hours per week.
- Hours may be worked across several days or condensed into one or two shifts.
Part-time work is attractive for employees who value flexibility and better work-life balance, though it comes with lower overall pay compared to full-time roles.
Do Employment Laws Differ for Part-Time Workers?
No — both full-time and part-time employees in the UK are protected under the same employment laws. This includes:
- National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage compliance
- Holiday entitlements
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Protection against discrimination
The difference is that benefits are pro rata for part-time employees. For example, if a full-time employee working 40 hours per week is entitled to 28 days’ holiday, a part-time worker doing 20 hours per week would receive 14 days’ holiday.
Pros of Hiring Full-Time Employees
Consistency & reliability – Full-time staff are always available, ensuring operations run smoothly.
Higher productivity – More hours mean they can take full ownership of projects and responsibilities.
Team integration – Spending more time with colleagues fosters collaboration and stronger company culture.
Employee loyalty – Full-time contracts give employees greater job security, boosting retention.
Cons of Full-Time Employees
Less flexibility – Employers must keep paying salaries even in slow business periods.
Higher costs – Wages, pensions, and benefits increase fixed costs.
Risk of burnout – Longer hours can harm employee wellbeing if workloads aren’t managed carefully.
Harder to replace – Losing a full-time employee means costly recruitment and onboarding.
Pros of Hiring Part-Time Employees
Flexibility – Adjust staffing based on demand (ideal for retail, hospitality, or seasonal work).
Lower payroll costs – Part-time workers reduce overall salary expenses.
Specialised skills – Hire experts for specific tasks without committing to full-time salaries.
Diverse talent pool – Attract students, parents, or semi-retirees who bring fresh perspectives.
Cons of Part-Time Employees
Reduced productivity – Less time available can slow project completion.
Scheduling challenges – Irregular hours can cause workflow gaps.
Weaker team integration – Less workplace presence may reduce connection with colleagues.
Lower training investment – Part-time staff may get fewer development opportunities.
Finding the Right Balance
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right staffing mix depends on your business model, industry, and growth goals. Some companies rely on full-time employees for stability, while others thrive with a hybrid workforce that blends full-time reliability and part-time flexibility.
Manage Full-Time and Part-Time Employees Easily with Token Talent
Whether you employ full-time staff, part-time staff, or both, managing schedules, tracking hours, and staying compliant can be challenging. That’s where Token Talent HR software comes in.
With Token Talent, you can:
- Automate timesheets and payroll calculations
- Schedule staff effortlessly with shift management tools
- Ensure compliance with UK employment laws
- Improve workforce planning with real-time HR analytics
By streamlining HR tasks, Token Talent allows you to focus on what really matters — growing your business and supporting your employees.
✅ Final Thought:
Full-time employees bring consistency and loyalty, while part-time employees offer flexibility and cost savings. By understanding the advantages and drawbacks of both, and using smart tools like Token Talent, you can build a workforce strategy that keeps your company agile, compliant, and productive.
