Employment rights for young people
When you first start work you are likely to need to know about a few things about your employment rights - this section aims to help you understand your rights and your responsibilities.
This information is this section is only a guide and does not cover every circumstance. We have done our best to make sure the information is correct. Some of the information may become inaccurate over time, for example because of changes to the law.
Contracts and written statements of employment
Employers legally must provide a written statement outlining the main terms of employment within eight weeks of your start date - even if you will only be working for them for that length of time.
National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. It generally increases every year on 1st October. The rates from 1st October 2011 are: A...
Time off for Study or for Training
If you are 16 or 17 years old and have few qualifications you could be entitled to paid time off from your employer to gain qualifications. If you do not have a Level 2 qualification, for example 5 GCSEs grades A*-C, you could improve your skills and gain a qualification which will help you in the future.