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Work in the UK: What does UK law say?

Do you want to work in the United Kingdom? Before moving to a new country, it is essential to learn about its labor laws. Today we will be focusing on the United Kingdom. What does UK labor law tell us?

Basics of UK employment law:

Employment law in the United Kingdom is difficult to understand. There are three basic types of workers: employees, contractors, and independent contractors. Even though independent contractors are not entitled to the same benefits as employees, but they receive some but not all of the same protections.

Businesses can suffer if they are unable to determine the employment status of an individual. Many companies prefer to “trial” a new contractor before hiring them full-time.If the person is everything but an employee in name, they should be permitted to continue working. Individuals are typically considered employees and, as a result, are entitled to the full range of employment benefits. 

It is important to note that the labor market in the United Kingdom is extremely liberal. A verbal agreement between a British employer and an employee is sufficient to allow them to work in the country.

Working conditions in the UK

In accordance with current legislation, working hours are restricted. For young people between the ages of 16 and 18, the weekly work limit is 40 hours and eight hours per day. For those over the age of 18, the limit is 48 hours. 

There are still some occupations in which the working hours are determined by the companies. This is true in the hospitality industry, restaurants, night jobs, and even in the liberal arts and sciences fields of study.

During a two-week period, either one day of rest or two consecutive days of rest are allowed. There is a contract where the duration of the days of rest is fixed at two days per week; it is the “Young Worker” contract.

You also have several public holidays in the year, of which there are 10:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday
  • Feast of Saint Patrick
  • Easter Monday (except Scotland)
  • Bank Holiday (in Scotland)
  • Early May Bank Holiday
  • Summer Bank Holiday 
  • Spring Bank Holiday
  •  Boxing Day
  • Christmas Day

The legal retirement age ranges from 66 to 68 years old. It depends on your gender and the date of your birth. In the event of a dispute over working conditions, there is a service that will defend your rights, and that service is the Citizens Advice Bureau. Their services are free to anyone residing in the UK. If you are having a disagreement with your employer, you can also contact the “Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service. “

To learn more, please visit our website. It is our goal to provide our clients with the best legal service possible. If you liked the article, feel free to share it on your social accounts.