Your Rights at Work

When you become employed, you have a number of legal rights.

Connexions Black Country has produced a leaflet called 'You Have Rights as a Young Worker' to tell you a little bit more. Ask in centres if you would like a copy or download here.

If you have any questions or worries about your rights at work, contact the Connexions Recruitment Team on Freephone 0800 132796.

National Minimum Wage

There is a national minimum wage, which applies to workers aged 16 and over.

• The rate for 16-17 years olds is £3.57 an hour
• The rate for 18-21 year olds is £4.83 an hour
• The rate for workers aged 22 and over is £5.80 an hour

October 2009 rates - you can check out the up-to-date rates on the directgov site.

Right to time off for study or training

If you're aged 16 or 17, and have less than 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent, you are entitled to time off from work to get a nationally recognised qualification, such as NVQ. This could be done at college, with a training provider or in the workplace.

Working hours

If you've reached school leaving age, but are not yet 18, you are not allowed to work more than 8 hours a day. You cannot work more than 40 hours per week and should be given at least 2 days off work a week.

If you're 18 or over, you shouldn't be expected to work more than 13 hours a day. You should be given at least 2 days off a fortnight.

You cannot be required to work more than 48 hours a week. However, this can be averaged over a 17-week period. If you want to work more than 48 hours a week, you can agree to this so long as you put this in writing.

Contacts

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

Free info on employment rights for both employees and employers (through their national helpline number listed below).
Tel: 08457 47 47 47

For Discrimination and equal opportunities issues including gender, race, disability, sexuality. age and religious beliefs there is now an Equality and Human Rights Commission. This provides a single point of contact for people who feel that they have been discriminated against. Their helpline is 0845 604 6610.

Health and Safety Executive

Advice and information on health and safety at work, including hours of work National Infoline: 08701 545500 Minicom: 02920 808 5537 Tel: 0121 607 6200 e-mail:hseinformationservice@natbrit.com

Law Centres

Law Centres provide free legal services to people who live in their catchment area. To find out if there is a Law Centre near you, call The Law Centres Federation on the number listed below, or visit their website.
Tel: 020 7387 8570

TUC (Trades Union Congress)

The TUC produce a range of free leaflets which cover employment rights information. You can download the leaflets at the TUC website, or read them on-line at Worksmart, or request them on this number: 0870 400 6822