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Contractor versus Employee versus Worker
Employees, workers and contractors have different rights and responsibilities.
Qualifying periods
Most people are entitled to the rights outlined below. However, in many cases, qualifying conditions must be fulfilled before a right may be claimed. Some rights apply to all employees as soon as they start work; others depend on factors such as length of service, continuity of employment and activities in addition to the job, for example, union work.
Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 created a minimum wage across the UK.
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice and it changes every 1 April.
Sick leave
From one time to another, employing organisations will experience absence by their staff due to illness. Illness absences are usually unplanned. This makes planning and covering work difficult for employers given the short notice of illness occurrences.
Working Time Regulations
In addition to the rights outlined around qualifying periods, a number of other rights and responsibilities exist. These relate to rest breaks, the number of hours a worker can be required to work and paid leave.
Redundancy pay
The statutory redundancy payment scheme aims to ensure that people who are dismissed through no fault of their own receive compensation. Employees who meet certain requirements are statutorily entitled to a lump sum from their employer.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Women expecting a baby who satisfy the qualifying conditions are entitled to a maximum of 39 weeks SMP.
Annual Closedowns
Employers may elect to close their business at certain times of the year. (Christmas/new year)
Discrimination when hiring
Fair treatment is not just a moral and legal obligation but makes good business sense. Employers who treat employees fairly will be best placed to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly diverse and competitive labour market.
Public holidays and bank holidays
Employees are not automatically entitled to paid time off for bank and public holidays.