A guide to workers rights in the UK

In the UK, all workers have certain legal rights. These rights are called statutory rights. In addition, to statutory provisions, many workers also have additional entitlements given to them through the terms of their employment contract.

Statutory rights

Statement Employees are entitled to a written statement of the main terms of their employment, within two months of starting work. Wages - All workers are entitled to the UK minimum wage. This wage varies depending on age.
- An employer is not authorised to make any illegal deductions from an employee's wages.
- Employees should be given a payslip detailing gross and net pay, deductions, and tax code. Holidays Employees are entitled to a set amount of paid holidays by law. The minimum requirement includes bank holiday leave. Other time off The law makes provisions for paid time off for a number of reasons. - If an employee is made redundant, they are entitled to time off to look for a new job.
- 16 to 17 year old workers are permitted to attend training courses.
- Trade union officials and representatives should be given time off to perform their duties. In addition, employees are entitled to unpaid time-off for a number of reasons including: childcare, performing public duties, and trade union activities. Becoming a parent Pregnant women should be given time-off to attend antenatal appointments. They are also entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, while men can have paternity leave. The amount paid varies, but there is a minimum statutory entitlement. Sickness Employers are required to pay statutory sick pay in certain circumstances.
Payment can be subject to an employee providing medical evidence. Redundancy Provided an employee has worked for an employer for a specified period, they are entitled to receive redundancy pay. The amount of pay depends on length of service, age, and salary. Workers temporarily laid off, due to a downturn in business, also have statutory entitlements. Harassment and discrimination Discrimination at work is covered by laws designed to protect UK workers. Any employer who contravenes these laws can, in some circumstances, be sued. Other information Apart from the above, there are statutory rights governing issues such as retirement age, flexible working and dismissal procedure. For further details visit the CAB website: Adviceguide.org,uk. In addition to statutory rights, employers may award employees additional rights, according to the terms of their contract. They may provide more than the statutory holiday requirement, for example; Employers cannot reduce or remove any statutory rights in the contract.

Workers exempt from statutory rights

Some workers are exempt from all or some of these statutory rights. These workers include the police, members of the armed forces and merchant seamen.