#LearnTheLesson Campaign

 

One of our main aims at GD Teen Recruitment is to make the workplace fairer for young people; particularly those that are aged between 16- 18 years of age. We know that bosses may bend the rules to sometimes manipulate and take advantage of young people whilst being paid the bare minimum. That is why we have created the #LearnTheLesson campaign, primarily targeting young people by expanding their knowledge on what's right and what's wrong.

As you can see on the post above, we have outlined just a few of the rules that companies/ employers need to follow and what you can do if they seem to be breaking the law.

1) Minimum wage- All employers are required to pay at least £4.81 per hour for anyone aged between 16 up until the age of 18. This is a legal requirement and should be adhered to at all times. Companies may pay more which is a bonus, however if they pay less, seek immediate support. 

2) When can't I work?- We've just outlined just a couple of circumstances when 16- 18 year old's can't work. Before 7 am/ after 7 pm, for more than 4 hours without taking a 1 hour break. There are loads more! Especially around term time/ school holidays. If you feel your boss may be violating any of these laws, please scroll down below to find out where/ how to seek support. 

There are many more circumstances where your boss/ company may be violating the laws of child employment. Click here to be directed to the Official Government website with all the necessary information regarding child employment. 

3) Read the contract carefully!- It is vital before going into any job, you read the contract before signing it. It's important to read up about your time at the workplace and what the pay is and to make sure you are happy with all the terms and conditions. 

Don't ever be afraid to have gotten to the contract- signing stage of starting a new job and not being happy with it. Signing a contract shouldn't ever compromise your happiness going into a new role. Remember, you always have the right to ask the employer to have more time until you sign the contract. Also, you as the employee, always have the right and should have access to your contract at any point during your time at the workplace. You always have the right to ask for it. 

4) What age can I start work?- Although at GD Teen Recruitment we only deal and support 16- 18 year old's, you can legally be employed from the age of 13. This is dependent on quite a few factors though! These factors can be found on the government website.

5) Do I need to pay tax?- For the majority of 16- 18 year old's, you do not need to pay tax! Tax is only taken if you reach over a certain threshold. Tax may accidentally have been taken; so if this does show it has been taken on your payslip, seek further assistance from your manager/ companies' boss.

So what if you feel like your company/ boss may be taking advantage of you? 

Head to the  KCC Website page and scroll down to 'Concerned about a child is employment' and it will take you to a form asking a few details about how you think a boss/ your boss is working outside of the child employment rules.