Belfast workers: Get expert help with your employment rights
Are you a worker based in Belfast?
Wondering about your employment rights?
Wonder no more!
We’re employment lawyers, providing expert help to employees in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have offices in Glengormley, Co. Antrim (just outside Belfast). We also have offices in Leeds, London and Newcastle. This article explains what rights you are entitled to as an employee.
Contract of employment
Within two months from the day you start a new job, your employer should give you a written statement explaining the main terms and conditions of your employment, including information about your pay.
This document forms the legally binding agreement between you and your employer.
Regular payslips
On or before the day you get your wages, your employer must give you a written statement that details your gross pay, any deductions and net (take-home) pay. Deductions that change, such as income tax, must be individually listed each time.
National Minimum Wage (NMW)
Most UK workers are entitled to be paid a minimum amount per hour (before deductions for income tax and National Insurance). The minimum depends on your age and changes every year. These are the rates that apply from April 2021:
- 23 and over = £8.91 This is known as the National Living Wage (NLW)
- 21 to 22 = £8.36
- 18 to 20 = £6.56
- Under 18 = £4.62
- Apprentice (if aged under 19 or in your first year of apprenticeship) = £4.30
Agricultural workers in Northern Ireland are entitled to the Agricultural Minimum Wage rates (unless the NMW or NLW rate is higher).
Maximum working hours
Some sectors have special rules, but most people should not have to work more than 48 hours a week, on average. See your contract of employment to find out your normal working hours. You may be able to choose to work more hours if you want to.
Minimum break times
Under the Working Time Regulations, your employer must not put your health at risk. This means that most workers have the right to take breaks during working hours, are limited about the amount of night work they’ll be required to do, and are entitled to take paid holidays.
- ‘Rest breaks’ include lunch breaks, tea breaks and any other short breaks – If you’re over 18 and expected to work for more than six hours at a stretch, you’ll normally have the right to a 20- minute rest break. This time may or may not be included in your pay
- ‘Daily rest’ is the break between finishing one day’s work and starting the next – For most people, this means overnight and is likely unpaid unless you’re ‘on call’ or you work shifts
- ‘Weekly rest’ covers whole days when you don’t come into work – For most people, this covers weekends and is usually unpaid
There are some exceptions to this, such as people who work in the transport industry. It’s best to check your employment contract to see what rights apply to you.
Making a complaint
If your employer doesn’t comply with the law, you are entitled to enforce your rights.
You can start by:
- Having an informal discussion with your boss
- Talking to a representative of the relevant Trade Union
- Going through your company’s formal grievance procedure
- Trying independent mediation, conciliation or arbitration
- Discussing the problem with an employment lawyer (that’s us!)
- Taking the matter to the employment tribunal
- Making an appeal if the decision doesn’t go your way
Related reading: Belfast workers: Get expert help with your employment rights
- Our expert factsheet in equal pay in Belfast
- Why a Belfast-based employment lawyer is a good choice
- Tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer
Need help? Belfast workers: Get expert help with your employment rights
For a FREE assessment of your case, call 0808 168 7288 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
We have already helped thousands of people to win millions of pounds in compensation.
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