From your first day at work, including if you work for an agency, you have certain rights.
Discrimination
Even if you don’t have a written contract, once you have a job you are said to have a contractual agreement with your employer, even if you have a training position and are paid for the work you do.
Laws against discrimination make it illegal for employers to discriminate on the grounds of disability, race, gender or age, either during the recruitment process or in the workplace itself.
Employment contracts
All employees have a contract with their employer, even if it isn’t in writing.
Most bosses will provide a written contract when you start a new job and it’s important that you read through it so that you know what is expected of you and what you can expect in return. Ask a family member or friend to read through it if you’re not sure about it.
Contracts contain things such as hours of work, annual leave and terms and conditions, and if any of these change without your consent then your contract has been broken and you may be entitled to compensation.
Health and safety
Your health and safety at work is the responsibility of both you and your employer.
Minimum wage
Depending on your age and whether you are training to do a job, you should receive a minimum amount per hour for the work you do, set by the government. This is also the case if you are in a training placement.
Sick pay
If you have to take more than four days off work because of illness you may be entitled to sick pay. There is a minimum amount set by the government, but some companies pay more than this. Check this with your employer.
Trade unions
Trade unions are an organised group of workers that aim to protect your interests as a worker.
They negotiate with employers on your behalf over issues such as pay and working conditions, and can provide advice and opportunities for training etc.
If you are interested in joining a trade union, simply ask your employer or union representative for information. If there is no-one available, contact the TUC to find out which union is most suitable for you and your job.
You don’t have to join a trade union if you don’t want to and your employer cannot make you do so.
Unfair dismissal
You have to have been in the job for at least one year in order to make a claim for unfair dismissal. If a tribunal finds that you were unfairly dismissed, you may be entitled to compensation.
This is a last resort though, and it is very expensive to bring a case against an employer. There are lots of options of ways of having your situation looked at before you need to think about a tribunal, so speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau or your Connexions personal advisor first if you think you have a case.
Working time rights
As a young person, the hours you can work are limited by the Health and Safety Executive and vary according to your age and whether you are on school holidays.