United Kingdom · Employment & Labor
Hiring rules, employment contracts, payroll, social insurance, and EOR options.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
UK employment gives workers and employees statutory rights — the National Minimum/Living Wage, 5.6 weeks' paid holiday, and protection from unfair dismissal after two years — enforced via employment tribunals, with Acas providing guidance. You should get a written statement of terms from day one.
Employment rights are set by statute (including the Employment Rights Act) and the National Minimum/Living Wage; GOV.UK and ACAS provide official guidance.
- Employees must receive a written statement of employment particulars.
- The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage set statutory pay floors.
- Employers must enrol eligible staff in a workplace pension (auto-enrolment).
- 1
Get your written statement of terms
Employees and workers must receive a written statement of the main employment terms on or before day one.
- 2
Know your pay and hours rights
You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage; the Working Time Regulations cap the average week at 48 hours (which you can opt out of) and set rest breaks.
- 3
Understand leave entitlements
You are entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year, plus statutory sick pay and family leave (maternity, paternity, shared parental).
- 4
Sort tax, NI and pension
You are taxed through PAYE, pay National Insurance, and are usually auto-enrolled into a workplace pension.
- 5
Know the dismissal and notice rules
You are protected from unfair dismissal (generally after two years' service, falling to six months on 1 January 2027) and discrimination from day one; statutory minimum notice applies.
- 6
Resolve disputes via Acas and tribunals
Raise issues internally, then through Acas early conciliation and, if needed, an employment tribunal.
- Written statement of terms (day one)
- National Minimum/Living Wage met
- Working-time (48h cap / opt-out) + rest breaks
- 5.6 weeks paid holiday + statutory sick/family pay
- PAYE + National Insurance + pension auto-enrolment
- Unfair-dismissal (2 years) + notice rules
- Discrimination protection (day one)
- Dispute route (Acas / employment tribunal)
- GOV.UK — Employing people
Official guidance on employing staff.
- ACAS
Advisory body on workplace rights and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
How much paid holiday am I entitled to?
Most workers get 5.6 weeks (28 days for a five-day week) of paid annual leave, which can include public holidays.
When am I protected from unfair dismissal?
Generally after two years' continuous service, though some dismissals (e.g. discrimination, whistleblowing) are protected from day one. The qualifying period drops to six months on 1 January 2027 under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
What is Acas?
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service gives free employment guidance and runs early conciliation before tribunal claims.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment