Your rights and responsibilities

When you start a job there is some information your new employer should give you to so you know your basic rights.  This includes:

• how much you will be paid and when (see the link to information about the minimum wage)
• how much holiday you can have
• your hours and days of work
• the amount of notice time you have to give if you want to leave
• the amount of notice time your employer must give you if they want to end your employment.

All this information will be in your contract of employment which you should receive within two months of starting work.  If you don’t get one, ask your employer about it. 

You must also get a pay slip with your wages.  This will tell you how much you have been paid and how much tax and National Insurance has been deducted.  It will also show your tax code and employee number.  Keep all your pay slips safe – you’ll need them if you should need to claim back any tax.

Most new employees are given an induction period to help them settle in.  This usually includes health and safety information and how the company deal with bullying in the workplace.  This is a good chance to ask any questions you might have and to meet the other people you’ll be working with.

You can still turn to your Connexions personal adviser for help and advice, even after you have started work.  Don’t let a small issue turn into a big problem.

Weblinks

Minimum wage - more information and current rates
External link: berr.gov.uk
National Minimum Wage Helpline: 0845 6000 678

Discrimination at work
External link: direct.gov.uk

Wise up 2 work – try the games to help you stay safe at work
External link: wiseup2work.co.uk

Your rights and responsibilities as a UK citizen
External link: direct.gov.uk