Embedded Files
"Modern slavery exists in many forms in the UK and sometimes in the workplace"- Anti-slavery International.
The world of work can also sometimes feel overwhelming, and it is important that you know your rights in the workplace. This page will help you understand employment rights and what you are entitled to.
Minimum Wages
Minimum Wages
Apprentice : Aged under 19 or aged 19 or over in their first year of apprenticeship is £5.28 per hour
Apprentices aged 19 and over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum wage for their age group:
16-17 years - £5.28 per hour
Age 18 to 20 - £7.49 per hour
Age 21 to 22 - £10.18 per hour
Age 23 and over - £10.42 per hour
Working time directive
Working time directive
Under 18 years old
Under 18 years old
Maximum weekly hours for under 18 yrs – 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Under 18 year olds cannot opt out of this.
Night working – under 18’s must not work after 10.00pm and before 7.00am
Rest Breaks at work - a 30 minute rest break if they work more than 4.5 hours (if possible this should be one continuous break)
Daily rest – there should be 12 hours between shifts
Weekly rest – There should be an uninterrupted period of at least 48 hours per week. If there is a good business reason why this is not possible – at least 36 hours' rest, with the remaining 12 hours taken as soon as possible afterwards.
18 years and over
18 years and over
Maximum weekly working hours 18 yrs and over– 48 hours per week. You can choose to opt out of this. You can be asked to opt out but cannot be forced to or dismissed for not accepting this.
Rest breaks at work – 20 minutes uninterrupted break if working more than 6 hours a day. This does not have to be a paid break. It does not count if an employer says you have to go back to work before their break is finished. You should not take this at the beginning or end of your shift and it should be away from where you actually work i.e. desk
Daily rest – there should be 12 hours between shifts.
Weekly rest – There should be an uninterrupted period of at least 48 hours per week. If there is a good business reason why this is not possible – at least 36 hours' rest, with the remaining 12 hours taken as soon as possible afterwards.
There are some exceptions to the WTD rules and these can be found at Gov.uk.
Pre-employment checks
Pre-employment checks
As part of any employment, you should be asked for proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate. Any prospective employee will need to show evidence of their right to work in the UK this may include evidence of settled status or passport. You will need to show proof of address and national insurance number. Whilst employers will need to see the original documents, an employer does not have the right to keep these documents. They should take copies for their records and return the originals to the employee.
Equality Act
Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. This Act covers anti-discrimination laws of the 9 protected characteristics
Age
Disability
Gender Assignment
Marriage & Civil Partnership
Pregnancy & Maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual Orientation
Page updated
Report abuse