Your rights at work (16–17)

Getting paid fairly

There's a legal minimum wage, and there's a specific rate for younger workers and apprentices. Check the current National Minimum Wage rate for your age before you start.

You should get a payslip and a written statement of your main terms (your contract).

Hours and breaks

Under-18s have extra protections: limits on how many hours and how late you can work, and rest breaks during shifts.

If your hours feel wrong or unsafe, you're allowed to question them.

A safe workplace

Your employer must keep you safe, give you any training and protective equipment you need, and never ask you to do something dangerous you're not trained for.

If something's unsafe, report it — you have the right to raise it without being treated badly for it.

Being treated fairly

You're protected from discrimination and bullying. If something doesn't feel right, you can talk to your manager, a trusted adult, or get free advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice.