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Employment
Working in the UK:
Workers in the UK benefit from a range of workplace rights and protections. These include the following:
- You must be paid at least the minimum wage - currently £5.52 an hour. This is normally updated annually. Different minimum wage rates are set for those under 22, and for agricultural workers.
- You are entitled to a minimum of 24 days paid holiday a year (including ro 28 days from April 2009). This period is reduced pro-rata if you work part-time. For agricultural workers in England and Wales working 5 days a week, the minimum is 31 including public holidays.
- You do not have to work more than 48 hours a week on average unless you have agreed in writing that you are willing to do so.
- You are protected against any unauthorised deductions being made from your wages.
- You are protected from discrimination on grounds of race, sex, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation, religion, or membership or non-membership of a trade union.
- You must be provided with a safe and healthy working enviroment.
Who to contact for more information:
A range of organisations and websites provide information and advice on workplace issues. These include:
Directgov
For online information on employment rights and responcibilities visit www.direct.gov.uk/employees
National Minimum Wage Helpline
For more information on how much you think you should be paid or if you think your pay is less than the legal minimum, call 0845 6000 678. If you work in the agricultural sector you should call 0845 000 0134.
Employment Agency Standards Helpline
For advice about employment agency legislation or if you wish to complain about an agency, call 0845 955 5105.
Health & Safety Executive
For concerns about health b& safety at work, or about working hour, please call: 0845 345 0055 or visit www.hse.gov.uk
For imformation about 'Working In Great Britain from Overseas' please click here.
Acas
Acas is a public body promoting good workplace relations. For free advice on employment issues call 08457 474747 or visit www.acas.org.uk