Working in the UK

1.0 - Getting started

There are lots of ways of finding a job. Personal contacts, Jobcentres, employment agencies and newspaper adverts are common ways. You can improve your chances of getting a job by getting training to improve your skills.

2.0 - Your terms and conditions of employment

Most people who work in the UK are 'employees', with a contract of employment. The law says this must have certain terms, and it can usually only be changed with your agreement.

Almost all workers in the UK who are over 16 have the right by law to get a minimum hourly wage. The amount depends on the age of the worker, but the main National Minimum Wage for workers over the age of 22 is £5.35 per hour.

If you're off work for four days or more because of sickness, you'll probably be able to get Statutory Sick Pay of £70.05 a week for up to 28 weeks. You'll need a doctor's certificate for any periods of sickness of more than seven days.

3.0 - Health and safety at work

There are limits to the number of hours that you can be made to work, although you can choose to work more than the limit if you want. You have the right by law to a certain amount of time off each week, depending on the job you do and the hours you work. You also have the right to a minimum amount of paid holiday each year.

Most workers in the UK can take paid time off work for the birth or adoption of a child. The amounts of time that can be taken, and the time off you can be paid for, are different depending on whether you are the mother or the father and how long you've been with the employer. Parents also have the right to take a certain amount of unpaid time off to look after their children up until their sixth birthday.

4.0 - Discrimination at work

There are very few limits on you leaving your job and getting another one, although you're expected to stick to the terms of your contract, usually by giving proper notice. There are laws to protect you against unfair dismissal (being sacked for no good reason). If you're made redundant (sacked because of lack of work for you to do), you may get a payment if you have been in the job for long enough. Not all rights apply to all workers, for example the rights against unfair dismissal and to redundancy payments do not normally apply to agency workers. You will need to have worked for your employer for a minimum amount of time to qualify for some rights.

5.0 - Trade unions and what they can do for you

If you have problems at work, and you're not given your legal rights, there are various ways to sort this out. Special courts called Employment Tribunals will hear cases involving work problems, but you should try to sort out problems with your employer first. Most employers have a 'grievance procedure' (ie company complaints procedure) that you can use.

6.0 - Where to get help

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.