Workplace experts, Acas, have launched new guidance for young workers and others starting their first job to help them understand their employment rights.
Thousands of teenagers will be celebrating GCSE, A level results, starting college or university and many will be taking their first steps into the world of work. This could be part-time work or leaving education to start their careers. Starting work for the first time can be daunting. Acas research found that young workers (aged 16-24) are more likely to face problems at work and are less likely to take actions to resolve their workplace problems. Stewart Gee, Head of Acas Information and Guidance, said: “Starting your first job whether as a Saturday shop assistant or, in my case, working in a factory can feel like a big leap from the classroom. “New workers are not always aware of their rights and responsibilities. We have developed some new guidance to help them understand the rules when they take that first step into the world of work.”
Top tips include: Prepare for your first day at work and it will be much easier; A contract of employment is an agreement between you and your new employer explaining what your rights and responsibilities are; Most workers are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage, this varies depending on your age and whether or not you’re an apprentice; There are rules about how many hours you can work and what time off you can have; You should be prepared to learn about the rules that your new workplace has and to follow them; In work you can be expected to be treated fairly and you should treat your colleagues fairly too.
