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Before you accept a job offer, it helps to know what a typical working week looks like in the UK. Working hours shape your work-life balance, your pay, and how you plan your job search, yet the reality is often different from what job titles alone suggest.
According to the Office for National Statistics, UK workers put in around 32 hours a week on average. This guide breaks down the numbers, explains the difference between full-time hours and part-time hours in the UK, and helps you decide which working pattern fits your life.
Whether you have gaps in unemployment or no experience, looking for a steady full-time role or flexible part-time work, understanding these figures helps you apply with confidence and ask the right questions before you sign a contract.
What are the average working hours in the UK?
The headline figure from the Office for National Statistics puts average working hours across all UK workers at around 31.8 hours per week (2022 data). This includes both employees and the self-employed across all sectors.
One reason this figure sits lower than many expect is that roughly 30% of UK workers are employed part-time, which pulls the overall average working hours down significantly.
Average working hours at a glance
| Worker type | Average hours per week |
|---|---|
| All workers | 31.8 hours |
| Full-time workers | 36.4–36.7 hours |
| Part-time workers | 16.5–16.6 hours |
Pro tip
When comparing job offers, always check the contracted hours a week rather than the job title alone. Two roles described as "part-time" can differ by 10 hours or more a week, which makes a significant difference to your income and availability.
Full-time working hours explained
How many hours is a full-time job?
There is no single legal definition of full-time in the UK. Most employers treat 35 to 40 hours as a standard full-time working week, typically spread across five days. Recent ONS data puts full-time hours in the UK at roughly 36.4 to 36.7 hours per week on average.
In practice, contracted hours vary. A full-time role in retail might be 37.5 hours, while a professional services firm may expect closer to 40 hours. Some sectors, particularly finance, law, business, healthcare, and senior management, often have employees regularly working more than 48 hours.
What full-time hours mean for you
Steady, predictable income with typically more access to employee benefits such as holiday pay, sick pay, and pension contributions
Less flexibility around personal commitments during the working day
Better suited to jobseekers seeking career progression, long-term stability, and clear structure
More opportunities for promotion within organisations that reward consistent availability.
For more advice, read about unpaid leave and statutory rights.
Pro tip
Always check your contracted hours before signing. If you are unsure whether a role complies with working time regulations, a trade union representative can advise; most unions offer free guidance to members.
Part-time working hours explained
How many hours is a part-time job?
Part-time hours in the UK average around 16.5 to 16.6 hours per week based on 2024–25 ONS data. This average covers a wide range; part-time work spans everything from a single shift a week to four days, stopping just short of full-time.
There is no legal minimum number of hours a week that defines part-time in the UK. Part-time workers hold the same employment rights as full-time employees on a pro-rata basis, including holiday entitlement, sick pay, and pension auto-enrolment.
Who part-time work suits
Students, parents, and carers balancing other responsibilities alongside part-time work
People returning to work or changing careers who want to build experience gradually.
Those managing health conditions or other commitments that require flexibility in their working week
Anyone running a side hustle or freelance project alongside employment; see our guide on side hustle jobs for ideas.
Pro tip
Part-time work is a practical way to gain experience in a new sector and can help you highlight transferable skills on your CV.
How UK working hours have changed over time
Average working hours in the UK have followed a long, gradual downward trend. The overall figure fell from 33.1 hours per week in 1998 to 31.8 hours in 2022, a drop of 1.3 hours over 24 years. The main drivers behind this shift include a decline in full-time hours among male workers and a growing share of part-time and older workers in the labour market.
The most significant short-term change came during Covid-19, when hours worked nationally fell to around 29 hours per week in 2020. By 2022, the average working hours had recovered to pre-pandemic levels and have remained fairly stable since.
Why this matters for your job search
More flexible and part-time roles are available now than in previous decades.
Employers increasingly offer varied arrangements; hybrid and remote working, compressed hours, and flexible start times are more common.
The normalisation of flexible work means you can often negotiate your working week without it seeming unusual.
Read our blogs on paternity and maternity leave to make more informed decisions about your future work arrangements.
Full-time or part-time: which is right for you?
Choosing between full-time hours UK and part-time hours UK is a personal decision based on your income needs, lifestyle, and career goals. There is no universally right answer.
Questions to ask yourself:
How much income do you need each month to cover your commitments?
Do you have other responsibilities? For example, are you a student, carer, or have a second job that requires time during the working day?
Are you aiming for rapid career progression, or a more gradual return to work after a career change?
Would a fixed full-time structure give you stability, or would it add pressure to an already demanding schedule?
Is flexibility more important to you right now than a higher weekly income?
For more context, our guides employee benefits and average salary in the UK are worth reading to help you make informed career choices.
How to reflect your working pattern on your CV
Your CV should clearly match the roles you are applying for, including your availability and preferred working pattern.
Mention availability in your personal profile: state whether you are seeking full-time, part-time, or flexible work so recruiters know from the first read.
Show consistent work history: part-time, seasonal, and voluntary roles count; present them clearly using the same format as full-time positions.
Highlight transferable skills: switching between full-time and part-time work is increasingly common; focus on top soft skills that translate across both patterns.
Tailor for each application: a CV for a 20-hour part-time admin role should look different from one targeting a full-time management position; use targeted keywords and read job descriptions carefully.
For more guidance, see our article on how to improve your CV.
Key takeaways
UK workers' average working hours sit at around 32 hours a week overall.
Full-time hours in the UK typically run to 36–37 hours per week – but there is no single legal definition.
Part-time hours in the UK average around 16–17 hours per week, with significant variation between roles.
The legal maximum hours limit is 48 hours a week on average, with the option of opting out of the 48-hour cap in writing.
Working hours have gently declined over the past two decades and stabilised since the pandemic.
The right pattern depends on your income needs, lifestyle, and career goals, and a modern CV should reflect whichever pattern you are targeting.
Next steps?
Want to strengthen your next job application? Explore our career blog for advice on whether job hopping is impacting your career, what top skills employers look for, and job interview techniques. Explore our CV templates and cover letter templates to create a professional application to attract employers.
FAQs
Should I include my preferred working hours or availability on my CV?
Yes, especially when applying for part-time work or flexible roles. A brief mention in your personal profile section ("available full-time" or "seeking part-time hours of 20–25 hours per week") saves time for both you and the recruiter and ensures you are considered for the right roles.
Is there a legal limit on how many hours I can be asked to work each week?
Yes. The Working Time Regulations set a limit of 48 hours per week, averaged over 17 weeks. Employers can ask you to sign an opt-out agreement to exceed this, but you cannot be forced to do so, and you can cancel it with reasonable notice.
What counts as overtime in the UK, and am I entitled to extra pay?
Overtime is any hours worked beyond your contracted hours. There is no legal right to extra pay for overtime in the UK unless your contract specifies it. Always check your contract before accepting a role.
How do I decide between a full-time and part-time role when job searching?
Start with your monthly income needs, then consider your other commitments and career goals. Our guide on salary negotiation can help you think through the financial side before you decide.
Am I entitled to breaks during my working day?
Yes. The Working Time Regulations entitle you to a rest break of at least 20 minutes if your shift is longer than 6 hours, at least 11 hours' rest between working days, and at least one full day off per week.
What should I check about working hours before signing a contract?
Key things to confirm: contracted hours a week, whether overtime is expected (paid or unpaid), start and finish times, break entitlements, and whether the role includes an opt-out from the 48-hour weekly limit.
What is a zero-hours contract and how does it affect my working week?
A zero-hours contract means neither you nor your employer is obliged to commit to a set number of hours a week. Hours worked vary based on demand, and income can be unpredictable. Zero-hours workers still hold rights under the Working Time Regulations, including rest breaks and holiday entitlement. They are common in hospitality, retail, and care sectors.
