Mayo Minister signs off on new part-time working code

Minister of State for Small Businesses, Retail and Employment, Alan Dillon, has approved and signed into law a revised Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working, aimed at strengthening flexible working arrangements across the labour market.

The updated Code, prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), provides practical guidance to help employers and employees agree part-time working arrangements that support modern, inclusive and flexible workplaces.

It reflects the Government’s wider commitment to increasing labour-market participation, particularly among parents, carers, older workers and students.

Under the revised Code, employers are encouraged to review their internal policies and to publish gender-balanced data on the take-up of flexible working arrangements, a move designed to promote transparency and fairness in the workplace.

Part-time work is highlighted as a key flexible option, alongside term-time working, job-sharing, compressed hours and remote working. It is recognised as supporting work–life balance and employee wellbeing, while also offering an important route into, or back into, employment.

The European Commission has estimated that improving transitions between part-time and full-time work could add up to 2.3 million people to the labour supply.

Announcing the approval of the revised Code, Minister Dillon said part-time work plays “a vital role in building a flexible and dynamic labour market”.

“Part-time work can facilitate people to engage in work at various points in their life,” he said. “It 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 by providing practical guidance and best practice in relation to part-time work.”

Audrey Cahill, Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, said access to part-time employment opportunities is crucial for many workers, particularly those balancing work with other personal responsibilities.

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

The Code of Practice 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 the same employment protections apply equally to all workers.