Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Manchester, like the rest of the United Kingdom, follows the regulations outlined in the UK's Employment Rights Act of 1996, Working Time Regulations of 1998, and the National Minimum Wage Act of 1998, as well as a variety of other employment laws. These laws define a worker’s rights regarding fair pay, minimum wage, overtime, wage deductions, and working hours. They ensure that workers in Manchester receive an appropriate wage for any and all work they perform and protect them from exploitative working conditions. Notably, every worker has the right to a national minimum wage and maximum working week.
Employment law can be intricate and difficult to navigate without legal expertise. You may need a lawyer to help you understand the complex laws and ensure your rights are upheld. Common situations where you might require legal help include not being paid at least the minimum wage, not getting the paid time off you're entitled to, wage theft where your employer is withholding or deducting your wages without a legal reason, or when there is an unlawful discrimination impacting your pay. An experienced wage and hour lawyer can help ensure you receive what you are legally due.
All workers in Manchester are entitled to the UK national minimum wage, which varies depending on the age of the worker and whether they are an apprentice. For example, as of April 2021, the national minimum wage for individuals 23 years and older was set at £8.91 per hour. In addition to the minimum wage, employers must ensure that employees do not work more than an average 48 hour week (unless the worker willingly chooses to opt out), receive at least a 20 minute rest break during 6 hours of work, and receive a specific period of daily rest. Any employer who fails to adhere to these laws is violating UK wage and hour laws.
You can check the government's current minimum wage rate and compare it to your hourly rate. Remember to factor in any deductions your employer may be making.
Unless you've agreed to opt out in writing, you shouldn't be working more than an average 48 hours a week. You can inform your employer, and if they don't resolve the issue, contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or consult a lawyer.
No, it's illegal for an employer to fire you or treat you unfairly for asserting your right to minimum wage or maximum working hours. If this happens, consult a lawyer immediately.
No, typically, meal and rest breaks are not included in your working time for pay calculations.
If your employer doesn't pay you for the work you've done, you can try resolving the issue informally first. If this doesn't work, you can make a formal grievance or consult a lawyer.
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is a valuable resource for both employers and employees in the UK. Acas provides free and impartial advice on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. In addition, the UK government's website provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on wage and hour laws in the UK.
If you believe your wage and hour rights have been violated, you should first try speaking directly with your employer or HR department. If this doesn't resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable doing this, you might want to reach out to a knowledgeable employment lawyer. They can provide guidance, help you understand your rights and options, and work to resolve the situation in your best interest.
