Minister Dillon approves updated Code of Practice on Access to Part‑Time Working

Minister of State for Small Businesses, Retail and Employment at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon, has signed into law a revised Code of Practice on Access to Part‑Time Working. Prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the updated Code provides practical guidance to help employers and employees agree on part‑time arrangements that support flexible, inclusive and modern workplaces.

The Code reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding flexible working options and increasing labour‑market participation, particularly among parents, carers, older employees and students. Employers are encouraged to review their policies and publish gender‑balanced data on the take‑up of flexible working to promote transparency.

Part‑time work remains a key flexible option alongside term‑time working, job‑sharing, compressed hours and remote working. It supports work–life balance, employee wellbeing and offers a valuable pathway into or back into the labour market. The European Commission estimates that improving transitions between part‑time and full‑time work could add 2.3 million people to the labour supply.

Announcing the approval, Minister Dillon said: “Part‑time work plays a vital role in building a flexible and dynamic labour market. Part-time work supports a flexible, inclusive and dynamic labour market and can facilitate people to engage in work at various points in their life. Part-time work can empower parents and carers to better balance the demands and quality of modern life. This revised Code of Practice will support employers and employees to facilitate part-time working arrangements by providing practical guidance and best practice in relation to part-time work.”

Audrey Cahill, Director General of the WRC, added: “Access to part-time employment opportunities plays a vital role for many employees today and particularly for those who are seeking to enter the jobs market while continuing to devote some of their time to other personal obligations. That’s why it was important that the WRC played a lead part in ensuring that the Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working was updated, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.

The revised Code provides clearer guidance for employers and employees, supporting best practice in the implementation and management of part-time working arrangements. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the updated Code.”

The Code is underpinned by the Protection of Employees (Part‑Time Work) Act 2001, which ensures that part‑time employees cannot be treated less favourably than comparable full‑time employees and that all employee protections apply equally.