Full-time Permanent Employment
As a full time employee you will normally be expected to work 35 hours per week or more. All full time employees can make a request to move to a part-time arrangement with the employer’s consent. Your contract cannot have a predetermined end date so, following any probationary period, you can expect to remain employed until either you or your employer decides to terminate the arrangement under the terms set out in the contract.
Part-time Permanent Employment
A part-time employee you can expect to have a contract very similar to that of a full time employee and with all the same workers’ rights but with the main difference that your hours of work are less. The agreed amount of hours you are required to work each week needs to be specified in the contract. You may still have the option to work overtime.
Temporary Employment
Temporary, or temp, contracts are agreements that usually have a start and end date. However, they can also be extended or reduced to suit the employers needs and so be subject to change. This type of employment can be quite flexible, allowing you to pursue other interests. You will usually be paid by the hour via your recruiter and won’t have sick pay or the other benefits received by those on permanent contracts.
Fixed-term Employment
Employees on a fixed-term contract have a prearranged end date for their employment set out in their contract. If your contract is not renewed when it ends you will only have full redundancy rights if you have been employed for over two years, and have protection against unfair dismissal after one year’s service. Employees on fixed-term contracts can work on full or part-time basis.
Being Self-employed
Self-employed contractors are individuals who work independently. They sign an Independent Contractor Agreement or Service Agreement instead of an Employment Contract. Typically, self-employed contractors can expect to have more control over their work schedule and how their services are provided but are responsible for their own tax and NI contributions. Generally, they cannot expect to get the benefits received by employees.