Starting and Keeping Your Job

When you start a new job, it can be a nervous as well as an exciting time - you will meet new people, you will have a new routine and take on new responsibilities. It may all seem very strange at first and you may not settle in straight away – you will need to give it time!

Finding out about the job

Usually there will be someone at work who will be able to answer any questions you have about your job. Try to find out who to speak to if you have a problem. If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to ask how to put it right.

You will need to know:

• what you are expected to do;
• how long you should spend on each task;
• what hours you are expected to work;
• who to ask for help;
• how your job fits in with other people’s work; and
• what are the health and safety rules?

Fitting in at work

You will be expected to dress and behave in a certain way at work.

You should try to:

• Dress appropriately for the job you are doing.
• Be aware of your personal hygiene.
• Be punctual and keep to the hours you are supposed to work (you must contact your employer immediately if you are going to be late or are ill).
• Respect other people – you will want to be treated well yourself.
• Be flexible and be willing to learn new skills through training.

Working with other people

It is important to try to get on well with other people at work (even if you don’t like them). It usually helps if you can:

• Listen to other people at work.
• Make sure you understand and follow instructions.
• Respect other people’s opinions and appreciate that everyone has something to offer.
• Try not to lose your temper. You can usually express your opinion, but you shouldn’t get angry or put people down.

Your rights and responsibilities at work

Your employer has a right to expect certain things from you as an employee. You have a responsibility to respect that right. At the same time you have rights at work and your employer has a responsibility to respect them too.

There are laws against discrimination, which make it illegal for employers to discriminate throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace on the grounds of age, disability, race, gender or sexuality.

If you feel that you have been or are being discriminated against, please call 0800 73 13 2 19 for advice. Alternatively visit: www.bullying.co.uk

Employment contracts

Your employer has to provide you with a contract of employment within the first eight weeks of your job. It can be verbal but it is recommended that it is written down as you then have a record of it. It must give details about, what you do; hours; pay; holiday entitlement; sickness pay and handing in your notice. You should also get information about any rules or regulations there may be in the workplace; trade union membership and health and safety.

Your pay

You may be paid weekly or monthly. Whether you get paid in cash, by cheque, or straight into your bank account, you are entitled to a written payslip, which must show gross pay (before any tax or national insurance is taken off) and net pay (after deductions such as tax, national insurance, pensions and union fees).

National Insurance (NI)

If you are aged 16 or over, you will have NI deducted from earnings over £110 per week (currently). The law says that you have to pay NI as it pays for retirement and benefits. You should get an NI card, which shows your NI number just before you are 16.

For up-to-date information about National Insurance, please visit the "National Insurance - The basics" page on Direct.gov.uk.

Tax

When you start your first job you will be given a P46 form to complete. Your employer will send this to the tax office to tell them that you have started work. If you leave your job you will be given a P45 to give to your next employer or to hand into the Job Centre if you are claiming benefit.

Health and Safety at Work

Your health and safety at work is the responsibility of you and your employer. Further information can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk

Time off for study or training

If you are 16 or 17 and working, but have not achieved 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C (NVQ level 2, an intermediate GNVQ or equivalent), you will be allowed reasonable paid time off during working hours to study or train for a qualification to which will help you to gain this standard.

Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/OptionsAt16/DG_066260 for further information.