We have a staff memeber employed part-time, the role is getting busier and busier, do we have to offer this member full time work or can we employ another part time employee?

There is no specific obligation on an employer to offer a part-time employee full time work, when the need for a full time role arises in the workplace, unless the new role will result in the part-time role being made redundant, in which case, it would be recommended that the full-time role be offered to the part-time employee as alternative employment. Furthermore, if this part-time employee is employed on a fixed-term contract then the employer must inform the employee of the new position to ensure he/she has the same opportunity to secure a full time permanent position as other employees.

From an employee relations perspective, and to ensure continued good relations with the part-time