What is the National Minimum Wage?
The National Minimum wage changes in April every year. For the current National Minimum Wage
click here: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
What is the London Living Wage?
Find out more information on the London Living Wage here: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/business-and-economy/london-living-wage
How do I know if a job is a scam?
JobShop makes every effort to ensure that all jobs advertised our genuine, non-discriminatory and lawful. However, there may occasionally be jobs that are not genuine or are trying to exploit you. Please see the tips below for trying to spot a scam job:
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If a company asks you to ring a premium rate number as the only way to apply, be very wary as you may be charged for the call
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When you apply for a job do not provide any bank details, passport, financial or personal information until you actually get the job. Once you have the job you may be asked for this information then.
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If a job redirects you to a different website, email address or telephone number be wary as the company website or email address should match the company in the job advert.
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Avoid schemes where you make money by signing up new members to sell for you
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Make sure you ask questions if you feel unsure about anything and so not sign anything you do not understand.
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Do not apply for a job if you feel unsure about it and never provide any personal details before you actually get the job!
For more advice on how to spot a job scam, please check out this website: www.safer-jobs.com
Remember, If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!!!!
An employer has asked me to complete an unpaid trial shift. What should I do?
An employer should always pay for any training or trial shifts. If you are asked to do any unpaid work, please notify the JobShop Team ([email protected]) straightaway and we will take down the advert.
What rights do I have to rest breaks at work?
Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day, if they work more than 6 hours a day. This could be a tea or lunch break. The break doesn’t have to be paid - it depends on their employment contract. For more information on rest breaks check out the website below:
https://www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work
What kind of different contracts can you have with an employer?
Contract types include:
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full-time and part-time contracts
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fixed-term contracts
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agency staff
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freelancers, consultants, contractors
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zero-hours contracts
For further information on contract types check out the website here: https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities
How can I find out more about my employment rights?
For advice on employment rights, please see the website below:
https://www.gov.uk/employment-status/worker
Can I get support on interview techniques and application writing?
Yes you can get support on interview techniques and application writing on our website section on how to get the job. You can also pop into our JobShop drop-in session to chat to someone face to face. These will be advertised on the JobShop website, through the mailing list and around campus.
I don’t have a National Insurance number – how do I get one?
Like most people who work within the UK, at some stage you will probably need to pay tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions, even if you are not a UK citizen. The exact amounts depend upon your earnings.
You need a NI number if you are working.
UK citizens are issued an NI number at age 16.
International students who are looking for paid work in the UK will need to apply for an NI number.
You can start working without a number, but you should apply for one as soon as possible to make sure you don't pay too much tax. You can apply for a national insurance number here:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
What holiday am I entitled to?
Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year (known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave).
This includes:
agency workers
workers with irregular hours
workers on zero-hours contracts
An employer can include bank holidays as part of statutory annual leave.
For further information please check out the website below:
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights
Am I entitled to sick pay?
Depending on your employment status, you may be entitled to sick pay. Information on statutory sick pay entitlement can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay
How does auto enrolment to a pension scheme work?
Information can be found below:
https://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/about-pensions/pensions-basics/automatic-enrolment