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As an apprentice you are an employee. Your basic rights include the right to: 

  • a written contract of employment
  • statutory holiday pay
  • rest breaks (unpaid)
  • statutory sick pay 
  • the same maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave rights as other employees
  • the same rights to dependency leave as other employees
  • the right to request flexible working
  • other statutory employment rights available to employees with qualifying service, such as the right to unpaid parental leave
  • the other statutory employment rights enjoyed by employees, including the right to join a trade union
  • be auto-enrolled into your employer’s pensions scheme if your earnings are high enough
  • a full induction in the workplace
  • a negotiated training plan or contract between yourself, the employer and the training provider
  • a fair wage, at least the National Minimum Wage
  • a safe working environment and protection from discrimination and bullying
  • release from work to attend formal training
  • provision of an appropriate range of work experiences to enable you to complete your qualifications
  • access to support, guidance and mentoring
  • quality training
  • regular assessments and review of progress
  • sufficient time away from your workstation or desk to study during work time and 
  • protection from unfair dismissal

These are minimum statutory rights. Your apprenticeship agreement may include better or more specific contractual rights

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.
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