Working hours, and your rights at work

We understand the benefits of work – but your wellbeing and your studies are also important. 

Because of this the University recommends that if you’re a full-time undergraduate or Masters student, you do not work more than 15 hours per week.   

If you often miss your classes or submit coursework late this will affect your degree, so careful time management and self-discipline are called for if you’ve a demanding part-time job.  Brush up on your time management skills using the resources on MyDevelopmentHub - search for “Time Management”. 

MyDevelopmentHub 

It’s a good idea to reduce your working hours at exam times, if you can, to cut down on stress.  

If you feel you have to work more than the recommended hours because you’re short of money, find out about the Students’ Association Discretionary and Hardship Funding:

Discretionary and Hardship Funding

Your rights at work

These articles summarise some of the main points to be aware of:

Part-time work - know your rights (Inform.ed, the Careers Service blog)

Full-time student, part-time worker? Know your employment rights (TargetJobs)

The Government website is the place to check for concise and up-to-date information on the following key topics:

Your pay, taxation and the National Minimum Wage

Your contract and working hours

Handing in your notice

Redundancies, dismissals and disciplinaries

Your rights at work and trade unions

If you’re having problems at work the first thing to do is speak to your line manager or supervisor – many issues can be sorted out with a calm, professional discussion.

If you have done this but the problem is complex, contact The Advice Place which can supply independent and confidential advice on your employment rights.

The Advice Place

If you found the job on MyCareerHub please let us know. We always welcome feedback on the employers advertising with us.

Contact employers@ed.ac.uk.