Part-time workers and injury compensation rights

Updated: September 27, 2025
By Chris Salmon

Part-time employees make up 22% of the UK workforce (Source: ONS labour market data, 2024)

Part-time workers are a vital part of the UK workforce. If you are injured at work, your rights to claim compensation are the same as those of full time colleagues. This page explains your entitlements, how your compensation is calculated, and what you should do after an accident.

At a glance

Part-time workers have the same legal right to claim compensation as full time employees.
Your employer still owes you a duty of care, regardless of your hours or contract type.
You can claim for lost earnings, including loss of regular part-time wages and benefits.
Compensation claims are usually made on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Do part-time workers have the same rights as full time workers?

Yes. Under the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, part-time staff must not be treated less favourably than comparable full time employees. This includes pay, benefits, and the right to work in a safe environment.

If you are injured at work, your employer’s duty of care applies in exactly the same way as if you were employed full time. You may therefore be entitled to compensation if negligence or unsafe practices caused your injury.

Examples of accidents involving part-time workers

Common examples of work accidents affecting part-time staff include:

Slips, trips and falls in shops, restaurants, or offices.
Manual handling accidents, such as lifting stock without proper training.
Injuries caused by faulty or unsafe equipment.
Accidents due to lack of training or inadequate supervision.

How is compensation calculated for part-time workers?

Compensation is divided into two categories:

General damages – awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury.
Special damages – cover your financial losses, such as lost wages, medical costs, travel expenses, and care needs.

Part-time workers can claim for loss of earnings, but the calculation will reflect your regular part-time wage. If your injury prevents you from returning to work, your solicitor will also consider your future loss of earnings, based on your usual hours and pay.

How much compensation can I claim?

Your claim amount will depend on the type and severity of your injury, and on your financial losses. General damages are calculated using the Judicial College Guidelines, while special damages reflect your personal circumstances.

Our calculator can give you an estimate of how much you might receive.

Calculate my claim

Making a No Win, No Fee claim

Most claims are made under a No Win, No Fee agreement, also called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you do not pay anything upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing at all.

If your claim is successful, your solicitor will deduct a success fee capped at 25% of your compensation.

What should I do after an accident?

Seek medical treatment and make sure your injuries are recorded.
Report the accident to your employer and ensure it is entered in the accident book.
Keep receipts, payslips and other documents to support your claim for expenses or lost wages.
Speak to a solicitor to discuss your options and start your claim.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?

External references

ACAS: Employment status - guidance on the rights of part-time, agency and full-time workers.
GOV.UK: Rights of disabled people - Equality Act protections that apply to all workers, including part-time staff.
HSE: RIDDOR - explains employers’ accident reporting duties for all workers.
NHS: Getting a fit note - medical evidence required if a part-time worker needs time off.