Part‐time Employees: Workers Whose Time has Come?

Abstract

Part‐time workers (a quarter of all employees in Britain) are one section of the “atypical” workforce singled out for attention by the EC Commission. Examines directives on atypical workers issued as part of the Social Charter′s Social Action Programme. Assesses the likelihood of directives′ provisions being adopted. Discusses the decisions of the European Court of Justice, which may have a profound impact on part‐time work, whether or not the directives are adopted, and outlines developments in employer and union policy on part‐time workers.