Part-Time Jobs for Disabled People

Part time jobs for disabled people can serve as a great alternative to a full-time employment contract. If you’re unable to work full time because of your disability or condition, then you may want to apply for a part time role.

Definition of Part-Time Work

Working part time typically refers to an employment contract of less than the standard 35 hours a week. While there is no specific definition, most part time employees work between 14 and 28 hours each week.

An alternative to part time jobs for disabled people is flexible working. Flexible working allows employees to arrange their work into a pattern that suits their needs. This could include changing your working hours or working from home. Flexible working can mean working full-time or part-time.

Benefits of Part-Time Work

Part time jobs for disabled people can be a great way to balance your needs and your employment. Some of the benefits of working part time jobs for disabled people include:

• Manage Your Disability

Part time jobs for disabled people can help give workers more flexibility to manage their condition. Some people are unable to work a full-time schedule because of their disability. For example, some people require time each month for regular doctor visits.

• Lower Stress Levels

It is more common for full time workers to feel worn out, overworked and stressed. This is because full time work can leave little space to do the activities or hobbies that make you happy.

• Develop New Skills

Working part time may free up extra hours each work to learn a new skill. If you are not using up all your energy at work, then you may be able to pick up a new skill, hobby or talent.

Asking for Part-Time Work

Anyone can ask for or negotiate a change to their working hours. However, your employer doesn’t have to permit part time hours simply upon your request. If you want to reduce your employment contract from full time to part time, it is important to consider how you will manage with a lower income.

If you ask for a reduction to your hours or a part time contract, you do not have to disclose you are disabled. However, if you decide to disclose your disability to your employer, then flexible working can be requested as a reasonable adjustment. You have rights under the Equality Act 2010, meaning your employer has a duty to make adjustments for you to do your job.

If flexible working is reasonable and necessary to help you do your job, then an employer must agree to support your request. If you’re applying for a full-time job, then before you sign an employment contract, you may want to ask if your employer will allow reduced hours. Your employer may decline as it is a common requirement for employees to pass the probation period before such adjustments may be considered.

Examples of reasonable adjustments that count as flexible working include:

• Reduced hours
• Working from home
• Condensing hours into fewer working days
• Hours that prevent travel during peak times
• More frequent breaks throughout the day

For further advice about reasonable adjustments, visit our guide to your rights as a disabled worker.