Life In The UK Test - Free Materials

Your pay is agreed between you and your employer. There is a minimum wage in the UK
that is legal right for every employed person above compulsory school leaving age. The
compulsory school leaving age is 16, but the time in the school year when 16-year-olds
can leave school in England and Wales is different from that in Scotland and Northern
Ireland.

There are different minimum wage rates from different age groups. From October 2006
the rates are as follows:

For workers aged 22 and above: GBP 5.35 an hour

For 18 – 21 year olds: GBP 4.45 an hour

For 16 – 17 year olds: GBP 3.30 an hour

Employers who pay their workers less than this are breaking the law. You can get more
information from the Central Office of Information Directgov website, which has a wide
range of public service information. Alternatively, you can telephone the National
Minimum Wage Helpline.

Your contract or statement will show the number of hours you are expected to work.
Your employer might ask you if you can work more hours than this and it is your
decision whether or not you do. Your employer cannot require you to work more hours
than the hours agreed on your contract.

If you need to be absent from work, for example if you are ill or you have a medical
appointment, it is important to tell your employer as soon as you can in advance. Most
employees who are 16 or over are entitled to at least 4 weeks, paid holidays every year.
This includes time for national holidays. Your employer must give you a pay slip, or a
similar written statement, each time you are paid. This must show exactly how much
money has been taken off for tax and national insurance contributions.