making part-timer redundant to employ a full timer

I currently work 16 hours a week. My boss was today talking about making me redundant as he wants someone in the office full time. Being a single parent I can't do the extra hours he is now requiring. Can he make me redundant for that reason?

Hi

The automatic redundancy of part-time employees can be unlawful. It may infringe the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations and as many part-time workers are women, it may be a form of unlawful sex discrimination.

Has your employer considered a job share to make up the hours.

If the work which you are carrying out had ceased or reduced, then it would be a reasonable to consider making you redundant however this is not the case.

If you are made redundant on this basis, I would advise you to appeal against the decision and if you wish, take legal advice and consider a tribunal application.