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Terms & Conditions/Pay

A contract of employment normally exists once an employee starts work, whether or not it is in writing. Most employees must receive a written employment statement within two months of beginning work. This should include details, such as: the employer’s name; worker’s job title; pay; hours of work; holiday entitlement; pension; period of employment; notice periods; and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Employees must be told about any changes to their employment statement within one month.

An employee is also entitled to a written pay statement when or before they are paid. This should detail gross pay, take home pay and any deductions made. Deductions may only be made if they are required by law, authorised by the worker’s contract or agreed in writing.

Most workers, including home workers, employment agency workers, part-timers and casual workers, are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for every hour they work. From 1st October 2010 the rates are as follows:

  • £5.93 - the rate for workers aged 21 and over
  • £4.92 - the 18-20 rate
  • £3.64 - the 16-17 rate
  • new minimum wage of £2.50 per hour for apprentices who are either under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Further information is available from the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368; from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills website at: www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/rights/nmw external link; external link or from: www.nmwadvice.co.uk external link , which also provides information in Polish, Lithuanian and Russian and has capacity for employers/workers to make complaints about suspected non-compliant employers online.

Rates of pay, hours and holidays in the agricultural sector are treated differently - queries in this area should be made to the Agricultural Helpline on 028 9052 0813.