Know your Rights
The UK has relatively strong labour laws and all workers have certain rights, which can be found in various acts of parliament, such as the right to a minimum wage, right to join a union, the right to collective bargaining, the right to equality and health and safety rights. However, many people are unaware of their workplace rights, and these rights often go unused.
Labour law in the UK has mainly been developed through the work of trade unions, who continue to play a strong role in industrial practice. This happens through staff organising unions, using legal participation rights, and collectively bargaining.
You can find general information on your rights at work here.
Join a Union
The union for TEFL workers in the UK is the TEFL Workers Union (an affiliate of the IWW Union).
https://www.facebook.com/teflworkers/
You can join the TEFL Workers’ Union here.
ACAS
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is the government body that deals with industrial disputes.
Information on ACAS services and how to contact them can be found here.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
You can also get free advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Workplace Rights
Sick Pay
Statutory sick pay refers to the minimum legal requirement for the pay you are entitled to if you are off sick. Statutory sick pay in the UK is £95.85 a week (for up to 28 weeks) for those who are eligible. Your company may offer more than the legal minimum (this is called contractual sick pay). Check your contract of employment or ask your HR for what you are entitled to.
In order to qualify for sick pay, you must:
- be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
- have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)
- earn at least £120 (before tax) per week
- tell your employer you’re sick before their deadline – or within 7 days if they don’t have one
- agency workers are also entitled to sick pay.
In order to get sick pay from your employer, you must follow the procedures put in place by your employer or you may not be eligible.
Click here for complete advice for your rights if you are sick.
Workplace Pensions
All employees in the UK are entitled to a workplace pension if they are over 22 and earn over £10,000 a year.
Even if you are a temporary or part-time employee, it is important that you check that your employer has automatically enrolled you onto the workplace pension scheme.
