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While there is no legal definition of how many hours count as full time employment in the UK, 35 hours per week is widely accepted across most organisations. If you’re considering taking on a full time role, it’s important to understand what this means and how it could benefit you.
As there is no legal standard for full time employment hours, individual employers tend to define this for themselves. Your contract of employment should include your expected working hours – whether calculated hourly, monthly or annually –giving you a clear picture of what your full time schedule involves.
Under UK Labour Law, the maximum average working week is 48 hours, averaged over a 17 week period. However, certain sectors – such as emergency services and the armed forces – are exempt from this rule due to their operational needs.
Yes. Employees can choose to opt out of the 48-hour weekly cap by providing written consent. If they later wish to opt back in, they will also need to provide a written statement to inform their employer.
The standard notice is usually seven days, although this can be extended to up to three months depending on the employment contract. It’s important to note that your employer cannot force you to stay opted out, even if you originally agreed when you first joined the company.
Whether you choose full or part time employment, depending on what suits your circumstances and goals, there are benefits to both, and these can overlap. However, if you are exploring full time employment, here are some potential advantages:
Full time employment often provides consistent hours and regular working days. This can help you plan your week, and have greater stability alongside other life commitments.
With more time in the workplace, you’re more likely to be better ingrained in the day-to-day operations of the business. This exposure can help you grow your skills quicker, gain a deeper understanding of the organisation and be available for development opportunities. This isn’t to say that part time work doesn’t have these benefits, it’s just that full time employment can help embed this quicker.
Full time staff are often eligible for higher salaries, performance bonuses and enhanced benefits. While part time workers can also access many of the same entitlements, full time roles typically offer more generous terms. Common benefits of both full time and part-time work may include:
Paid time off (for example, sick pay, bereavement leave, jury duty)
Enhanced parental leave
Holiday pay
Employer pension contributions
Private healthcare
While there are no national laws mandating overtime pay in the UK, your employer should clearly outline their overtime pay policies in your contract or staff handbook. Many employers choose to offer enhanced pay rates for overtime (such as time-and-a-half or double time), however, this isn’t legally required.
While full time employment doesn’t have a fixed legal definition in the UK, knowing what it typically involves—from hours to benefits—can help you make informed decisions about your career. Whether you're seeking stability, progression, or financial security, a full time role can offer a strong foundation.
For further support on your employment journey, explore our employment support services today.
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