I have a 'zero hours contract'. Should I get the National Minimum Wage?

'Zero hours contract' is just a label. It is not a legal term. You are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

If you’re a union member, your union will be able to advise you about your exact contract terms.

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.

Work Rights Pay and Contracts Pay

Can I choose whether my pay is paid in cash or direct to my bank account?

Can my employer make deductions from my pay?

Do I get paid when absent on sick leave?

Do I have the right to a pay statement?

How is my pay calculated?

How much should I be paid?

I am a shop worker. Can my employer make deductions from wages to cover till shortages?

If we are only a few minutes late for work, we lose 30 minutes' pay. Can our employer do this?

Our employer asks us to turn up 15 minutes before work starts, but doesn't pay us for this time. Shouldn't this come under our paid time?

Our employer has not paid us any money this week. What can we do?

Should I get paid double for working bank holidays?

What is the minimum wage that I am entitled to?

When should I be paid?

When should my pay be subject to review?

Who is entitled to minimum pay?

If I am laid off work for a lengthy period, what is my position?

I have been suspended from work on medical grounds, what are my rights?

What rights do I have to payment during sickness?

Will my pay review take account of performance through appraisal or some other method?

Am I entitled to be paid overtime and, if so, how is it recorded and claimed?

Am I entitled to a bonus and, if so, is it entirely discretionary?

What are lawful deductions from wages authorised by statute?

What deductions from wages may be permitted by the contract of employment?

What deductions from wages are covered by advance written agreement?

I have been told by the payroll department that I have been overpaid. Can my employer make deductions from wages without my agreement?

We went on strike for one day. Can our employer refuse to pay us?

Am I entitled to pay on days when I do not work?

What examples of absences authorised by the contract of employment are there and what is the entitlement to pay?

What examples of absences authorised by statute are there and what is the entitlement to pay?

What examples of unauthorised absence are there and what is the entitlement to pay?

Am I entitled to pay for days when I am laid off?

Am I entitled to paid leave and how should it be arranged?

Am I entitled to be paid for the time I am required to spend on standby, waiting to see if I am to be called on to work?

Under our work rota, I must be on standby for particular shifts. Does this count as working time?

If I am temporarily laid off from work what is my pay position?

I work nights and weekends. Shouldn't I be getting paid at a higher rate than colleagues who work normal hours?

I quit my job without notice. Am I entitled to be paid for the period I've worked this month?

Where I work, agency staff are paid more than full-time staff. Is this allowed?

Am I entitled to a workplace pension?

What is a NEST pension?

I work as a careworker and travel between service users’ homes. Should I get paid for my travel time?

I work as a careworker, and one night a week, I sleep over in the service user's home. What should I get paid for my time when sleeping?

I have a 'zero hours contract'. Should I get the National Minimum Wage?

I have accrued lots of flexi-leave which I have not been able to use up. Am I entitled to be paid for it?

How is holiday pay worked out?

Under my contract, I get basic pay only for holiday pay, whereas my normal pay includes regular shift allowances and overtime. Is this right?

Where I work, temporary agency staff are paid less than full-time staff to do the same job. Is this allowed?

I have heard agency workers refer to the Swedish derogation. What is this?

I’ve read about new 'freedom and choice' changes to pension rules. What does this mean?

Is my employer allowed to deduct the cost of my uniform from my wages?

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