Understanding Your Rights as an Employee in the UK

Starting work in a new country is exciting — and confusing. Here is what every worker in the UK is legally entitled to, whatever your nationality.

Within two months of starting, you should receive a written statement setting out your job, pay, hours and holiday entitlement. You are entitled to at least the National Minimum (or Living) Wage for your age, paid payslips showing tax and National Insurance deductions, and a minimum of 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year if working full-time.

The standard working week is capped at 48 hours unless you sign an opt-out — you can never be forced to sign one. From your very first day, you are protected against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability and other protected characteristics, even before you have built up unfair dismissal rights (which generally apply after two years' continuous employment).

You also have the right to join a trade union, to a safe working environment, and to raise concerns (whistleblow) without being dismissed for doing so. If an employer refuses to give you a contract, pays below minimum wage, or withholds wages, this is unlawful — regardless of what you may have been told.

Keep copies of everything: contracts, payslips, messages, rotas. Evidence is what turns a difficult situation into a solvable one.

If something at work doesn't feel right, AF Consultancy's Workplace Support service can help you understand your position — www.anastasia-fox-consultancy.com.