Usdaw Stalham

The site for Usdaw members in the Stalham area.


You have minimum rights when you are at work. Some employers will offer better conditions than these minimums. The best way to ensure your employer respects your rights is to join a trade union.


Know your Rights

Your minimum rights at a glance

REPRESENTATION
You are entitled to have a union rep with you at any formal meeting with your employer.
These include:

  • Attendance Reviews
  • Investigatory meetings
  • Disciplinary meetings
  • Meetings to discuss your terms and conditions
BREAKS and RESTS
There are exceptions to these for certain jobs, those people affected are entitled to compensatory rest.
  • 20 minute break if the working day is more than six hours
  • Rest period of 11 hours between working days
  • Rest period of 24 hours once every seven days
  • Two full days off per fortnight (normally one per week)
  • Night workers to work a maximum average of eight hours in 24
  • Free health assessments for night workers
  • Maximum 48 hours for the average working week
16 and 17 year olds have the right to:
  • 40 hours maximum working week
  • Eight hours maximum working day
  • A ban on night working (working no later than midnight and starting no earlier than 4am)
  • A rest period of 12 hours between working days
  • Two days' weekly rest
  • A 30 minute rest break if working more than four and a half hours
"No one can be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours a week against his or her will." - Government guidance.

MINIMUM WAGE
Usdaw's campaign to extend the minimum wage to 16 and 17 year olds has been successful.
The hourly rates are:

  • Adults (age 22+): £5.52 (£5.73 from October 2008)
  • 18-21 year olds: £4.60 (£4.77 from October 2008)
  • 16 and 17 year olds: £3.40 (£3.53 from October 2008)
We are now campaigning for the full rate to be paid at 18 and at least 80% for under 18s.

Minimum Wage Advice Line: 0845 6000 678

PAID HOLIDAY
Everyone at work is entitled to at least 4.8 weeks paid leave each year, 5.6 weeks from April 2009:

  • If you work full-time, it is 24 days leave, 28 days from April 2009
  • If you work part-time, your leave is 4.8 times your average working week, 5.6 times from April 2009
  • If your hours vary, your weekly holiday pay is your average weekly pay over the previous 12 weeks, including compulsory overtime, shift pay and bonuses.
  • Agency workers are also entitled to paid leave
Employers can choose to include bank and public holidays as part of your annual holiday entitlement.

Equal pay and conditions for part-timers
All part-timers should not be treated less favorably than people working full-time. If you work part-time, check you get the same (or pro rata):

  • Rates of pay
  • Paid holiday leave
  • Premiums or overtime
  • Sick pay
  • Pension contributions
  • Parental or carers' leave
Protection at work
Your employer has a duty of care to protect you at work. That means safety from:
  • Accidents
  • Work-related illnesses
  • Violence or abuse
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Discrimination - including age discrimination
If you are worried about any of these contact your trade union.