A term time job is a type of employment that aligns with the academic calendar – you work only during school terms and take unpaid or paid leave during school holidays. This arrangement is most common in the UK, Australia, and parts of the US, often offered to parents or teachers who want to balance childcare or study with work. For example, a school administrator might work 37 hours a week for 39 weeks of the year, then have 13 weeks off. In recruitment, term time contracts are a strategic tool to boost employee retention and attract talent with caregiving responsibilities.
From a hiring perspective, term time jobs can fill skill gaps in education, hospitality, and retail. They also reduce burnout because employees get regular, predictable breaks. However, they require careful workforce planning – you need to cover peak periods during holidays or ensure that part-time term time staff don’t exceed annual hours limits. A 2025 CIPD survey found that 62% of employers offering term time roles reported improved staff morale, and 48% saw a drop in turnover. Here’s a quick comparison of standard full-time vs. term time roles:
| Feature | Standard Full-Time | Term Time Job |
|---|
| Annual weeks worked | 52 | 38–41 |
| Paid holiday entitlement | Usually 28 days | Pro-rata (e.g., 20 days) |
| Salary structure | Annual salary paid monthly | Annual salary spread over 12 months or paid only for worked weeks |
| Typical target candidates | General workforce | Parents, teachers, students |
So if you’re a recruiter or HR manager, term time jobs are a flexible, cost-effective way to widen your candidate pool – especially for roles with seasonal demand.
