In Northern Ireland, 82% of part-time employees are women. 39% of female employees work part-time compared to 9% of men. That means that excluding part-time workers from any post or promotion has a more adverse affect on women, and this amounts to indirect sex discrimination. 
That’s what happened to a local schoolteacher…
Catherine McCormick has been teaching at Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, since 2007. After returning from maternity leave, she started working three days a week instead of five, to help with her childcare responsibilities.
When the opportunity arose to act as Temporary Head of English, a colleague was offered the role because it was full-time. As a part-time worker, Catherine was deprived of the opportunity to apply.
Catherine’s case was supported by the Equality Commission NI, and she was awarded £5,000.
The school has since launched a new policy to ensure future opportunities for career enhancement are dealt with correctly, and the Board of Governors are arranging training in recruitment and selection, with specific focus on part-time workers.
Part time employees often find themselves treated differently in relation to terms and conditions meaning they are paid less or have less holiday entitlement. This is also unlawful. For further details, please click here.
What this means to you
Your employer should not put you at a disadvantage because you work part-time or flexibly, even if it’s unintentional.
If you feel that you’re being treated unfairly, please give us a call and we’ll advise the next steps to take.
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