Rights at Work

Your Pay

You may be paid weekly or monthly. Whether you get paid in cash, by cheque, or straight in to your bank account, you are entitled to a written payslip which must show gross pay (before any tax or national insurance has been taken off) and net pay (after deductions such as tax, national insurance, pension and union dues).

Minimum Wage

There is a minimum wage of £3.57 an hour for 16 and 17 year olds (it doesn’t apply to apprentices). For 18-21 year olds the minimum wage is £4.83 an hour. This goes up to £5.80 an hour at age 22.

If you think you are being underpaid ring the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678

Contract

All employees, regardless of the number of hours they work per week, are entitled to receive a written statement from their employer, within two months of starting work. The statement describes the main terms of the contract of employment.

The statement must give details about job title; wages; hours of work; holiday entitlement; sick pay; pension schemes; notice and grievance procedure.

Bullying and Discrimination At Work

Unfortunately there are sometimes bullies at work as well as at school. You have a right to fair treatment by your workmates and your boss. Ask your Connexions personal adviser for advice if you feel you are being treated unfairly at work.

Time Off For Study Or Training

The law says that 16 and17 year olds can have a reasonable amount of paid time off work to study or train for a qualification - as long as you are not at school or college full-time and don’t have a qualification at NVQ level 2 or equivalent already.

If you have been refused time off for study or training you can make a complaint. You must complain within three months to an employment tribunal or ACAS.

Last Updated: 18-Dec-2009