What is a term-time worker?

A term-time worker generally works only during school terms.

Term-time only contracts are used to accommodate employees' childcare responsibilities during school holidays, as well as for staff who work in schools.

Term-time workers typically work 39 weeks a year, but the exact arrangement is for agreement between the parties. For example, the employee could work during half-term holidays but not during the longer school holidays.

The employee will usually be paid their annual salary in regular monthly or weekly equal instalments over the year. Alternatively, they could be paid during term time only, based on the number of hours worked, with periods during which they receive no pay.

Where an employee is paid in equal instalments over a year, if the contract begins part way in a year, the employer will calculate pro rated equal payments to account for this. Where it ends part way through a year, the employer will adjust the final payment so the employee is paid for days worked up to termination.

A term-time worker's continuity of service remains unbroken during the school holidays, by agreement with the employer.