Work

Living in Britain costs a lot of money. This means that finding a job that pays you enough is going to be high on your list of priorities.

If you are allowed to work in Britain it is a good idea to know what your basic employment rights are in Britain. This can protect you against exploitation or risking your health and safety.

If you're not officially allowed to work in Britain your rights are seriously affected. You may end up working in poor conditions, with very low pay. If you are caught you will probably be deported. It will also be difficult to get help and advice if you need it.

Am I allowed to work in Britain?

The UK Border Agency and Citizens Advice Bureau can help if you need to know:

  • if you are allowed to work in Britain
  • if you need a special work permit
  • if you need to join the Worker Registration Scheme (this applies to some EEA citizens).

UK Border Agency
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk (go to 'Working in the UK')

Citizens Advice Bureau
Look in the Employment section of its website for 'Employment fact sheets' for migrant workers.
www.adviceguide.org.uk

National Insurance

To work legally in the UK you have to have a National Insurance number. There are two ways to get a National Insurance number:

  • by having an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office
  • by having an interview through the National Employment National Insurance number (NINO) office which you can arrange by telephoning 0845 600 0643.

National Insurance is paid monthly by employees and employers. This entitles you to some financial assistance from the state (social security benefits) if you need it.

Your rights

The minimum wage
If you are legally employed, no matter what type of contract you have, you are entitled to receive the minimum wage:

  • If you are 22 or older, you should get paid at least £5.52 per hour.
  • If you are 18 to 21, you should get £4.60 per hour.
  • If you are 16 or 17, you should get £3.40 an hour.

If you are working in agriculture, the law is different.

If you are not being paid the minimum wage, you can contact:

The National Minimum Wage helpline

Which offers help in multiple languages.
Telephone: 0845 6000 678

You can also find out about the minimum wage on the government's HM Revenue & Customs website. Put 'national minimum wage' into the Search box near the top of the page.

HM Revenue & Customs
www.hmrc.gov.uk

Other important rights

There are other important rights that you have and should be aware of:

  • You cannot be discriminated against because of your sexual orientation, gender, race, disability, religion or belief.
  • You should only work 48 hours each week, unless you choose to work longer.
  • You have the right to have four weeks holiday, with pay, each year.
  • You have the right to health and safety protection.
  • You have the right to leave your job if you want. By law employers are not allowed to hold your passport or other official documents for longer than one day.

Advice on discrimination and exploitation There are organisations that can give you advice on discrimination and exploitation.

Citizens Advice Bureau
Branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) give free, confidential and impartial advice. There are CAB offices throughout the UK. You can find their details on the CAB website.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk

The Trades Union Congress (TUC)
The TUC fights for equal rights for migrant workers. Its main website has information for migrant workers in different languages on the Migration page in its 'International section'.
www.tuc.org.uk/international

The TUC supports lesbian and gay workers facing discrimination because of their real, or perceived, sexual orientation.

Stonewall
Stonewall is an organisation that works to achieve equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.
Telephone: 08000 50 20 20
www.stonewall.org.uk