Your rights at work

While at work
Information and important things to consider when in work including working
hours, flexible working, discrimination and what to do if you have problems at
work.
Please use the table of contents to find your topic. If you have any questions,
remember to use the Ask a Question function of MyCareerHub or drop by any time
and visit the Helpdesk.

Contents
Working hours, rest breaks and holidays............................................................................... 2
Working hours ................................................................................................................... 2
Rest breaks ....................................................................................................................... 2
Paid holidays ..................................................................................................................... 2
Discrimination ....................................................................................................................... 3
Flexible working .................................................................................................................... 3
Concerns at work .................................................................................................................. 4
Health and Safety at work.................................................................................................. 4
Problems at work ............................................................................................................... 4

Working hours, rest breaks and holidays

Working hours
Your normal working hours should be set out in your contract of employment. Unless
you choose to (by signing an opt out) or you work in a sector with its own special
rules, you should not have to work more than 48 hours a week on average.

Rest breaks
At minimum you are entitled to a 20 minute rest break if the working day is longer
than 6 hours. This break must not be taken at the start or end of the period of work.
There are exemptions but these are very unlikely to apply to work undertaken by
most students.

Paid holidays
Your entitlement to paid annual leave (holidays) begins on the first day of
employment. Most employers will give you paid holidays, and the proportion of the
holiday leave which may actually be taken (with the employer's agreement) builds up
over the year* (see note below). Where this calculation does not result in an exact
number of days, the amount of leave which may be taken is rounded up to the next
half day. Any rounded-up element is deducted from the leave remaining.
*NB Some employers will include a holiday allowance in the pay rate for their casual
or part-time staff. They must clearly state what the amount of holiday pay is. They
cannot simply state pay includes holiday pay.
For further information visit WorkSMART from the TUC.
Related links

Gov.UK - 48-hour week

Gov.UK - rest breaks
Worksmart

Discrimination
The law protects everyone at work from being discriminated against because of their
gender, race, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
If you need further advice or information please see the website of the Equality and
Human Rights Commission. They have information on a number of employment
issues, including discrimination and equal opportunities
Related links

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Flexible working
Employers are increasingly recognising the need to offer flexible working hours and
conditions which contribute to a healthy work-life balance. 'Flexible working' is a
phrase that describes any working pattern adapted to suit your needs.
Common types of flexible working are:

part-time

flexi-time

annualised hours

compressed hours

staggered hours

job sharing

work from home

Some individuals have a statutory right to apply for flexible working. The Part-time
Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 ensured that
part time workers are not treated less favourably in their contractual terms and
conditions than comparable full timers.
For further information visit the Gov.UK website.
Related links

Gov.UK working hours

Gov.UK flexible working

Concerns at work
Health and Safety at work
The law puts responsibility on employers and employees to look after health and
safety at work. You should ensure that you receive adequate training and
appropriate protective clothing / equipment to enable you to work safely.
For further information on health and safety at work visit Gov.UK. At the PlanIT Plus
website you can find information on Work-Related Stress and Work and Health.

Problems at work
The first step to resolving a problem at work is to speak to your line manager or
supervisor. You should also ensure you have looked at the employment information
provided above.
If you have done so but the problem is more complex, contact The Advice Place who
can give you independent and confidential advice on your employment rights. If you
found the job via MyCareerHub we can try to help you solve the problem. We always
welcome feedback on our employers.
Related links

Gov.UK - health and safety

The Advice Place

The University of Edinburgh Careers Service 2015

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