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Rights and cash for 16 and 17 year olds (Leaflet 339)


Date: 29 August 2008

Rights and cash for 16 and 17 year olds
Rights and cash for 16 and 17 year olds

An Usdaw guide to the Labour Government’s help for 16 and 17 year olds: The new minimum wage, money for studying and your rights at work.

Your rights at work

Minimum wage

Usdaw's campaign to extend the minimum wage to 16 and 17 year olds has been successful.

The hourly rates are:

  • Adults (age 22+): £5.52 (£5.73 from October 2008)
  • 18-21 year olds: £4.60 (£4.77 from October 2008)
  • 16 and 17 year olds: £3.40 (£3.53 from October 2008)

We are now campaigning for the full rate to be paid at 18 and at least 80% for under 18s.

Minimum Wage Advice Line: 0845 6000 678

Annual paid holiday

You have the right to 24 days paid holiday a year (28 days from April 2009), or the pro-rata equivalent if you work part-time, from when you start work.

Proper breaks and rest at work

16 and 17 year olds have the right to:
  • 40 hours maximum working week
  • Eight hours maximum working day
  • A ban on night working (working no later than midnight and starting no earlier than 4am)
  • A rest period of 12 hours between working days
  • Two days' weekly rest
  • A 30 minute rest break if working more than four and a half hours

Equal pay and conditions for part-timers

All part-timers should not be treated less favorably than people working full-time. If you work part-time, check you get the same (or pro rata):
  • Rates of pay
  • Paid holiday leave
  • Premiums or overtime
  • Sick pay
  • Pension contributions
  • Parental or carers' leave

Protection at work

Your employer has a duty of care to protect you at work. That means safety from:
  • Accidents
  • Work-related illnesses
  • Violence or abuse
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Discrimination - including age discrimination

If you are worried about any of these contact your trade union.

Other help

Money for studying

Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) help 16-18 year olds who do at least 12 hours a week of guided study.

If your household income is:

up to £20,817 per year you get £30 a week
£20,818 - £25,521 per year you get £20 a week
£25,522 - £30,810 per year you get £10 a week

Find out how to claim by phoning 080 810 16 2 19 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning

Training and careers advice

For advice on careers, training, apprenticeships and learning.

England and Wales
Advice Line: 0800 100 900 or www.learndirect.co.uk

Scotland
Advice Line: 0808 100 9000 or www.learndirectscotland.com

Advice when you need it

Connexions offers free support and advice to all teenagers across England for confidential help with education or careers advice, or support on any issues such as bullying, depression, drug abuse or sexual health. You can see a Personal Advisor, or use the phone or web.
(Although for advice on rights at work you need to join a trade union).
Connexions Direct 080 800 13 2 19 or visit www.connexions.gov.uk

In Wales, see www.careerswales.com
In Scotland call 0845 8 502 502 or see www.careers-scotland.org.uk

"I think it is important young workers join the union for protection and help and advice when they need it. It also makes sure everyone is treated fairly and has a say at work."
Laura Anderson, Usdaw activist aged 16, Southampton

Make sure you get your rights - join a union

The best way to ensure your employer respects your rights is to join a trade union. See join rates for more information. Usdaw is the Union for shopworkers and we represent young people in many other workplaces.

To join or find out more about Usdaw call 0845 6060640 (calls charged at local rate). You can also join online, or to find the union that's appropriate for your job, call the TUC on 0870 600 4882 or visit: www.tuc.org.uk

The Labour Party

To help Labour carry on the good work, you can join the Labour Party. If you are under 27 it's only £1 a year! Call 08705 900 200.

Find out more about Young Labour at: www.younglabour.org.uk

Rights and cash for 16 and 17 year olds (Leaflet 339) was correct at date of publication August 2008.

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