YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK
There are a lot of laws about what employers can and can't do; unless you know what your rights are, you may lose out. What follows is only a guide - if you have problems at work, get advice from your Castlegate, the ACAS Helpline, the trouble at work website, or your Trade Union.
- Part time workers have the same rights as full time workers.
- You should have a written 'statement of employment particulars' within two months of starting work.
- You should get a payslip every time you are paid, showing what deductions for National Insurance and Tax have been made. Your employer cannot take any other money out of your wages without your written consent beforehand.
- You have the right to join a Trade Union. Call the TUC for which one.
- Your workplace should be safe and healthy. You should be given proper training and safety equipment if you are using anything that could be dangerous. You should not be made ill by any of the work that you are doing. If you have an accident, fill in the accident book, and inform your Trade Union or get advice from the HSE.
- If you are pregnant then you have other rights, this includes agency workers. You should be paid for time off for ante-natal care. Your employer cannot sack you because you are pregnant. You may be entitled to leave, benefits, or your job back afterwards. As a partner of someone expecting you may have the right of up to 2 weeks paternity leave, with some pay.
- If you are the parent of a child born on or after 15th Dec 1994 you may have the right to unpaid time off to look after your child. You may have the right to some unpaid time off work to look after other dependants in an emergency.
- If you are ill, telephone your employer on the first day. Ask if you need a sick note. For info on sickness benefits, see if you can't work because you are sick.
- Most people over school minimum leaving age have the right to at least four weeks paid holiday per year. This is likely to increase from 1st October '07 to 4.8 weeks and again in Oct '08. You have the right to breaks during your working day and to work-free days each week. These may depend on your age.
- Special employment laws apply to you if you are under 18, e.g. there are some places you are not allowed to work, and your employer should take into account your age in any 'on the job' training they give you. There are also special laws and restrictions affecting those under 16. (See your rights at 14).
- If you are 16/17 you have the right to reasonable time off work to study or for training, if you have no or few qualifications. For more information ask at the Castlegate.
- You shouldn't be harassed or discriminated against because of your age, race, religion, sex, sexuality, being transgender, or because you have a disability. If you are sacked for any of these reasons get advice, even if you've only just started there.
- Often if you have worked somewhere for less than one year and your employer gives you the sack, there is nothing you can do about it (but see above) - but if this happens seek advice. Ring ACAS or ask at Castlegate or CAB. Once you have worked somewhere for more than one year, then you have a lot more employment protection. Being dismissed can affect your rights to benefit.
- From age 16, most workers are entitled to a legal minimum wage. The following rates apply from 1st October 2007. If you are aged 22 or older this is £5.52/hour. If you are 18–21 this is £4.60/hour. This lower rate also applies if you are 22+ and in accredited training in a new job with a new employer, for up to 6 months. If you are 16/17 the minimum wage is £3.40/hour (apprentices are exempt).
You may be entitled to some benefits on top of your wage - e.g. Tax Credits or Housing Benefit.