Working Conditions

Various laws ensure that employment terms and conditions are fair. For instance, you’re typically not required to work more than 48 hours a week, though you can choose to do so. Your specific working hours will be outlined in your contract. More information about working contracts and conditions can be found at: www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions/overview

The Equality Act 2010 guarantees everyone in the UK the right to fair treatment and equal opportunities. This means that people should receive ‘equal pay for equal work’, regardless of any ‘protected characteristics’ or differences. The pay your employer offers for your work must at least meet the National Minimum Wage (until April 2016) or National Living Wage (from April 2016 onwards). For more details about the Equality Act 2010, visit: www.gov.uk/equality-act-2010-guidance

Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 outlines nine protected characteristics or groups safeguarded under equality laws. These protected characteristics include:

• Age
• Being or becoming a transsexual person
• Being married or in a civil partnership
• Being pregnant or having a child
• Disability
• Race, including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• Religion, belief, or lack of religion/belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation