Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Sex Discrimination Act does not specifically make discrimination against part time workers unlawful, but if you are a female part time worker you may be able to bring a claim of indirect sex discrimination. This is because, since the majority of part time workers are women, discrimination against part time workers can often amount to indirect sex discrimination against women.

Because more married women than single women work part-time then discrimination against part time workers may also amount to indirect marriage discrimination.

Victimisation

You must not be treated less favourably compared to others because you acted in good faith to assert your rights under the Sex Discrimination Act or Equal Pay Act. You will have a victimisation claim if your employer treats you less favourably than another employee because you have complained of discrimination.

Part Time Workers Regulations

As well as your rights under the Sex Discrimination Act, the Part Time Workers Regulations give you:

• the right not to be treated less favourably by an employer than comparable full time workers. This includes both the terms of the contracts of employment and any other detriment by other acts of the employer.
• the right to receive pay and job benefits pro rata to those received by comparable full-time workers.
• the right to receive a written statement of reasons for less favourable treatment.
• protection from dismissal for claiming rights under the Part Time Workers Regulations.

If you think you have experienced sex discrimination as a part time worker, read Using your rights for details of how to present a claim.