<P> A part - time contract is a form of employment that carries fewer hours per week than a full - time job . They work in shifts . The shifts are often rotational . Workers are considered to be part - time if they commonly work fewer than 30 hours per week . According to the International Labour Organization, the number of part - time workers has increased from one - fourth to a half in the past 20 years in most developed countries, excluding the United States . There are many reasons for working part - time, including the desire to do so, having one's hours cut back by an employer and being unable to find a full - time job . The International Labour Organisation Convention 175 requires that part - time workers be treated no less favourably than full - time workers . </P> <P> In some cases the nature of the work itself may require that the employees be classified part as part - time workers . For example, some amusement parks are closed during winter months and keep only a skeleton crew on hand for maintenance and office work . As a result of this cutback in staffing during the off season, employees who operate rides, run gaming stands, or staff concession stands may be classified as part - time workers owing to the months long down time during which they may be technically employed . </P>

How many hours per week is considered part time