This page will help you know and understand your rights and responsibilities at work.

Minimum Wage Rates

The government sets the minimum wage rates and these come into force every 1 April every year.

Child employment

The general rule is that you can start part time work from the age of 13; but this can only be 'light work' and must not interfere with your education.

Find child law advice and further information about child employment.

Health and safety at work

There are special rules that employers have to follow if you're under 18.

Lack of experience can place young workers at greater risk, and employers cannot give you work that:

• is beyond your physical or psychological capacity
• involves harmful exposure to toxins
• involves risk or exposure to accidents that young people may not appreciate

Know your rights at work.

The Health and Safety Executive have information and guidance for you. In addition, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents provides advice for young workers.

 Problems at work

There will be times at work when things go wrong, and this section gives information on what happens then.

When something goes wrong at work, it is usually because you're not happy with how you feel your employer is treating you; or your employer is not happy with what you have done at work.

If you're not happy, this is usually called a grievance. If your employer is not happy, this is usually called a disciplinary.

Find information about dealing with problems at work. In addition, Citizens Advice provide more information about work.

If you're a member of a Trade Union, you can ask them for help.

Discrimination at Work

You have the right not to be discriminated against at work.

The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has a statutory code of practice for employment.

Trade Unions

A Trade Union is a group of workers who join together to protect and improve their conditions of employment.

All workers have the right to join or not to join a Trade Union. Find a Union for you.

Trade Union representatives provide information, help, support and representation for you at work. It's unlawful for your employer to tell you that you can't join a Trade Union, even if there is not one in your workplace, or they do not recognise unions. This is a right you have under Article 11 of the Human Right Act.