Know Your Rights at Work

July 4, 2025

At Citizens Advice, we believe everyone deserves fair treatment at work. Whether you’re just starting a new job, returning after a break, or facing problems at work, it’s important to know your employment rights. Understanding these rights helps you protect yourself and take action if something goes wrong.

Your basic rights at work

Most people are legally entitled to certain rights at work. These depend on your employment status – whether you’re an employee, worker, or self-employed, but some rights apply to everyone.

Here are some of the key rights most employees and workers have:

• The National Minimum Wage – you’re entitled to at least the minimum wage for your age group.
• Paid holiday – most people who work 5 days a week are entitled to at least 28 days’ paid holiday a year.
• Rest breaks – you’re entitled to rest breaks during the day, between working days, and time off each week.
• Protection against unfair treatment – including discrimination or harassment, and protection for whistleblowers.
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – if you’re too ill to work and meet certain conditions.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – if you’re having a baby or adopting, you might be entitled to paid time off.
• The right not to be unfairly dismissed – once you’ve worked for your employer for at least two years.
• You also have the right to a written statement summarising the main terms and conditions of your job – usually provided within two months of starting.

Common workplace problems

We hear from people every day who are facing issues like:

• Being underpaid or not paid on time
• Being asked to work without proper breaks
• Facing discrimination or bullying
• Not getting a contract or payslips
• Being dismissed unfairly

If you’re dealing with any of these, you’re not alone – and there are steps you can take.

What you can do if something isn’t right

If something doesn’t feel right at work, try to talk to your employer first. They might not realise there’s a problem. If that doesn’t work, or if you don’t feel safe raising it with them directly, you can:

• Check your rights using the Citizens Advice website, which offers clear guidance based on your situation.
• Get advice – speak to one of our advisers. We can help you understand your options and what to do next.

Raise a grievance or make a formal complaint to your employer.

• Take legal action – in some cases, you might be able to take your case to an employment tribunal.
• You have the right to stand up for yourself – and there’s support available if you need it.

How Citizens Advice can help

At Citizens Advice, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take action. You can:

• Visit our website for up-to-date, easy-to-understand information.
• Speak to an adviser at one of our drop in sessions.
• Use our emailadvice service or call our helpline for advice over the phone.

Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect at work. If something doesn’t feel right, get in touch – we’re here to help.

Categories: Advice, Advice Column