Answers · UK 2025/26
How many hours is full-time work in the UK?
There is no legal definition. Most UK employers consider 35-40 hours/week as full-time. Statutory holiday entitlement applies to all hours, pro-rata. The 48-hour Working Time Directive limit applies unless you opt out in writing.
Full answer
UK law doesn't define «full-time». Custom and HMRC practice: 35-40 hours/week is full-time, 16-34 part-time, under 16 «mini-job». Statutory holiday entitlement: 5.6 weeks paid leave for all workers including part-time (pro-rata). Working Time Regulations 1998 cap weekly hours at 48 (average over 17 weeks) — you can opt out in writing voluntarily. Daily rest: 11 hours minimum between shifts. Weekly rest: 24 hours every 7 days. Night workers: max 8 hours average per 24-hour period. Most pension auto-enrolment, sick pay and family leave rights kick in at any hours but are pro-rated below 35. Universal Credit treats 35 hours × NLW as «full earnings expectation» for conditionality.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.