On the day that many young people will received their GCSE results and consider moving into work, employment relations service Acas has published guidance for them. New to work
aims to help young people get to know
their right and responsibilities at work.
The first of four key points is to make sure that the employer supplies a written statement with details of the job within the first two months of starting.
If the employer wants to vary the terms of your contract, for example, the hours you do or your pay, they should discuss this with you so you can agree to any changes.
Regardless of whether you have a written contract, you have certain basic rights, for example, the right to holidays, the right to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age band, and the right to rest breaks.
As most young people are social media users the guidance reminds new employees of their responsibilities.
“Even if your contract doesn’t say anything about a particular issue, you should still think carefully about your behaviour outside of work. Many em-ployers will expect you to behave in a way that doesn’t reflect badly on the company in your free time. For example, company policy may not say you can’t discuss your work on social media, but com-plaining about your colleagues on Facebook could still amount to misconduct,” the guidance says.
The guidance rightly suggests that young workers may want to join a trade union. “Trade Unions are able to offer people who join advice and support on a range of things that might happen at work, for example if you’re not getting paid properly or if you just want to check a detail about your contract.”
Other issues covered in the guidance include the National Minimum Wage, zero-hours contracts, sickness and absence, and training as well as leaving a job.
Acas spokesperson Stewart Gee said: “Most school leavers may not be aware of their rights at work or their responsibilities, as they get ready to start apprenticeships or part time jobs.
“This new guidance is an invaluable tool to help young employees navigate the first few months in the world of work.”
www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5818
Posted: 1st September 2016