(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations come into operation on 1st July 2000 and implement Directive 97/81/EC (normally referred to as the Part-time Work Directive) as extended to the United Kingdom by Directive 98/23/EC.
The Regulations give part-time workers the right in principle not to be treated less favourably than full-time workers of the same employer who work under the same type of employment contract. In addition a right is given to workers who become part-time or, having been full-time, return part-time after absence, to be treated not less favourably than they were before going part-time.
The rights apply where the less favourable treatment is on the ground that the worker is part-time and is not justified on objective grounds.
The rights are exercisable by complaint to an industrial tribunal.