Frequently Asked Questions

1) I have not been paid by my employer, what can I do? Employment law rules can be extremely complicated so it is best to act quickly and get the ball rolling. Ultimately, an employee who has not been paid money they are legally entitled to may need to go to an employment tribunal to claim. However, new rules on employment mean employees must raise a grievance in writing with her/his employer before being able to make a claim to an employment tribunal. There are strict time limits on when this has to be done and certain rules must be followed. We recommend you come and see us in the Advice Centre for more information on this ASAP! We can provide you with basic information and if referal to a lawyer is needed, we can suggest law centres/clinics that offer free advice.

2) Where can I look for jobs? UWESU has a JobShop. The JobShop is based on the Frenchay campus but the service is available to all students. You can register for free on-line and will be sent regular e-mails of jobs being advertised. For more information see: www.uwesu.org/ez/index.php/ez_site/services_sites/jobshop or visit Alan in the JobShop on the Frenchay campus

3) Should I be being paid the National Minimum Wage? MOST workers (including casual labourers, part-time workers, workers on short-term contracts, and workers employed by sub-contractors) in the UK aged 18 or over became entitled by law to a national minimum hourly wage, regardless of where they work, the size of the firm or the workers occupation.

Workers not entitled to the National Minimum Wage include: under 18's, au pairs, some apprentices, most voluntary workers and self employed people.

The NMW is fixed at different rates for certain groups of workers, depending on a number of factors, including age.

Placement students on sandwich courses are exempt from the National Minimum Wage.

For information about the NMW there is an NMW helpline, staffed by the Inland Revenue. The number is 0845 600 0678.

You can also contact the advisers in the Advice Centre or ACAS, a national organisation who deal with employment issues on 0845 747 4747.