OPINION: Young workers are missing out on basic employment rights

Many young workers in East Devon are missing out on basic employment rights and pay writes Sue Cockayne of East Devon HR, based in Sidbury.

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I have been asked numerous times over the last year by young workers what pay they should be getting and if they are entitled to holiday pay. Young people who are new to work often don't understand what they are entitled to and they don't like to ask. It's only when they talk to their friends that they realise they are missing out.

East Devon is one of the most successful areas in Devon for micro and small businesses – I don't think its that business owners are deliberately not giving youngsters the right information or not paying them the right wages – but often they don't realise what they have to do.

Many young workers are casual, in that they are paid cash in hand and don't have fixed hours. It may be that business owners don't realise they are workers – but if you're paying someone to do a job for you, then the likelihood is that they are a worker. Youngster often work during school holidays when they grab as many hours as they can; many get cash in hand and most are working without a statement of particulars and don't get a wage slip.

East Devon HR works with micro and small business to guide them through the countless pieces of employment legislation. There is a lot for business owners to take on board - when I set up my HR business last year, I thought I would be doing just HR but I've had to learn about so much more.

You don't have to be an expert in everything, there is lots of good support out there.

There are some specific things you need to do if you employ young workers. For those workers aged 13-18 you need to register for a permit; you may find you are not covered by your public and employers liability insurance without this.

The National Minimum Wage will apply and from April 2020 under 18's need to be paid £4.55 per hour; and 18-20 years will get £6.45 per hour.

All workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks holiday, pro rata if part time. Workers with no fixed hours are entitled to received holiday pay based on hours worked in the preceding 12 weeks (from April 2020 this will be 52 weeks).

There are very helpful calculators on the Gov.UK website https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

I understand it can be overwhelming said Sue but young people are our future workers, entrepreneurs and business owners; as the labour market shrinks you will want your workers telling others what a great place you are to work with – getting it right is important for them and for you and your business.

For more information on people and employment contact Sue at East Devon HR by clicking the red button below.