FAQ's Employment
What paid holiday am I entitled to?
- 5.6 weeks paid holiday with effect from 1 April 2009
- Payment for untaken statutory leave entitlement on termination of employment
How is a part time worker’s holiday calculated?
On a pro-rata basis, so an employee who works 3 days per week would get 16.8 days paid holiday – their normal working week multiplied by 5.6.
What if an employee starts after the beginning of the company’s leave year?
Holiday entitlement will be calculated from the first day of employment to the end of the leave year. So, if the leave year runs from April to March and you start in July, you will be entitled to three quarters of the full entitlement.
What about bank holidays?
There is no statutory entitlement to paid leave for public holidays. You should refer to your contract of employment.
If it is not expressly stated in the contract, the right to paid leave may have built up through custom and practice.
Paid public holidays can count towards part of the statutory 5.6 weeks paid holiday under the Working Time Regulations 1999(as amended).
Can my employer make deductions from my wages?
If required by the employees contract or by law (eg National Insurance), deductions can be made without prior written agreement. However, employers should not make other deductions without a prior written agreement. Seek further advice relating to the retail trade and deductions to recover stock deficiencies/cash shortages.
What is the Minimum Wage
Employers have to ensure they meet the requirements of the Minimum Wage Act 1998. The actual amount varies according to age and increases, usually annually. To get the latest minimum wage figures go to
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Pay/DG_10027201
How do I check my redundancy pay?
You can use an interactive tool to check your redundancy payment. Go to www.direct.gov.uk/redundancy.dsb
Can an agency charge me a fee for finding work?
An employment agency can not charge you a fee for finding or trying to find you a job. They can charge for non-work finding services such as C.V. writing but they can not make you use these services as a condition of finding you work.
Note there are different rules for entertainment/modelling agencies. Further information for agency workers can be found at
www.direct.gov.uk/Employment/
Can I ask for flexible working?
You can ask but to find out of you have the statutory right to request flexible working go to www.direct.gov.uk/Employment/
More help required?
Contact your local employment specialist advisers.
The Pay and Work Rights Helpline 0800 917 2368
