Employment claims from part-time workers treble in a year

The number of employment tribunal claims from part-time workers has surged over the last two years. 

In the 12 months to March this year, the number trebled to reach 1,600.

It’s thought the rise is due to the fact that a large number of employees were put on to shorter working weeks during the economic downturn as companies tried to cut costs without having to make people redundant.

The move may have been unavoidable for most firms but it has led to many employees feeling dissatisfied and insecure.

Some claim they receive lower basic pay rates than their full-time equivalents and fear they are first in the firing line if redundancies become necessary. Others believe they have lost out on opportunities for promotion and other benefits.

Looking to the future, it’s possible that there will be another surge in claims as a result of the new agency worker regulations which have now come into effect. 

Employers need to ensure they follow the correct procedures when reducing the hours staff work and when dealing with pay and conditions of part-time workers.

Please contact us if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article.