Part-time: can your hours be reduced without your agreement?

[Weewillywinki]

I am a part-time teacher and have been in my school for five years. There is a bit of movement in teaching allocations at my school, and I am wondering if my hours might be reduced (I am 0.5)?

I have seen on part-time contracts in other schools that hours can fluctuate year-on-year by 10%? My contract doesn’t say this, but might this be something that is implicit in a part-time contract? Does anyone know (it is the independent sector).

I seem to recall (from management training in the 90s) something about any reduction in hours above 5% is technically redundancy, but that may have changed or there may be some sort of averaging in play in your sector to reflect year on year timetable fluctuations. Are you able to access the terms & conditions of your employment (if not included in your contract)?

Thanks@VerbenaGirl Would that be something to ask HR about? (Terms and conditions).

There is a 10% figure that is often referenced as being the reasonable reduction or increase in hours for part-timers year-on-year, but I now wonder if this is something of a myth if it isn’t in my contract.

When I was PT (3DPW) there was a clause in my contract stipulating that my hours could be increased or decreased by a maximum of 25% each year I had to be notified of any change by May half term. Go by what your contract does- or doesn't- say.

Yes, HR should be able to advise.

It's very likely to depend on your specific contract, especially if you are employed by an academy. If you're in a union, dig out your contract and take it to your rep. If you don't have a rep, give your advice line a call.

HR can also advise, but don't forget they work for your employer, not you.