When we work
Part-time
Part-time work is used by some as a way to continue working whilst studying for higher qualifications, getting voluntary experience, trying out a different kind of work, becoming self-employed or starting a business. Flexible working practices mean that some people are able to move in and out of part-time work according to their needs.
Flexitime
Flexitime systems allow more control over hours, particularly the start and finish of each working day. Usually they have ‘core hours’ that have to be worked in the middle of the day, with flexibility around these. Flexitime suits those who have childcare commitments or who commute to work.
Annualised hours
An annualised hours contract specifies a number of hours to be worked within a year instead of a set number of hours in a day or week. Originating within seasonal industries, annualised hours have been taken up by other employers keen to deal with unpredictable workloads. Annualised hours can be difficult for those who have fixed commitments as their exact working hours differ over the year.
Termtime working
Termtime working is most common within education but has also been introduced or negotiated in other industries and roles where work does not need to be carried out within school holidays.
Compressed hours
Some industries and employers have restructured the work week to compress the same number of hours within fewer working days. Five eight-hour days might be replaced by four ten-hour days, with employees saving on travel-to-work costs