A revised Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working was signed into law in Ireland by Minister of State Alan Dillon on January 22, 2026. 

This new, updated code is designed to support flexible, inclusive workplaces by providing practical guidance to employers and employees, following the 2001 Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act. 

Key Features of the Updated Code (2026)

• Purpose: To promote part-time work, eliminate discrimination against part-time employees compared to full-time staff, and improve the quality of part-time work.
• Equal Treatment: Part-time employees cannot be treated less favourably than comparable full-time employees in terms of pay, benefits, and conditions.
• Flexibility & Access: Employers are encouraged to provide more part-time options across all levels of an organisation.
• Requesting Changes: The code supports, but does not provide a mandatory statutory right to, switching between full-time and part-time work.
• Pro-Rata Principle: Benefits and entitlements for part-time workers are generally calculated on a pro-rata basis compared to full-time staff.
• Training & Career: The code advises that part-time workers should have equal access to training and career development.