Know where you stand
Your rights at work in the United Kingdom
Every line has the official page behind it, so you can check us. These rights hold whether you came through Sama or not, and whether you are on a permit or not.
Read this first
You never pay to get a job. Not us, not anyone.
It is not legal for an employment agency to charge you a fee for finding you work, and no employer may take recruitment costs, permit costs or "training" out of your wages. If somebody is asking you for money, or holding your passport, stop and ring one of the numbers on this page. You will not get in trouble for asking.
What you are entitled to
Nine things the law in the United Kingdom gives you
Checked against the official sources in September 2026. Figures change, so open the link beside anything you are relying on.
1
At least the National Living Wage
From 1 April 2026 the rate is £12.71 an hour at 21 and over, £10.85 at 18 to 20, and £8.00 under 18 and for eligible apprentices. A Skilled Worker role usually has to pay well above this anyway, and the going rate for the occupation is a separate floor again.
2
A payslip and lawful deductions only
You are entitled to an itemised payslip. Deductions must be required by law or agreed in your contract. A sponsor may not pass the sponsor licence fee or the Immigration Skills Charge on to you, and no agency may charge you a fee to find you work.
3
5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year
That is 28 days for someone working five days a week. Whether bank holidays come out of that or sit on top of it depends on your contract, so read that line before you sign.
4
Your sponsorship does not belong to the employer
A Certificate of Sponsorship ties your visa to a job, but it does not make you anyone's property. You can change sponsor, and there are rules and time limits about how. Get advice before you resign, not after.
5
A safe place to work
Your employer must assess risk, train you and provide protective equipment free of charge. You have the right to raise a safety concern without being punished for it.
6
Freedom from discrimination
The Equality Act protects you at work on grounds including race, religion or belief, sex, age and disability. It applies to you from day one and regardless of your immigration status.
7
Protection from labour exploitation
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigates worker exploitation and labour abuse across the UK. If you are being made to work in conditions you cannot leave, or your pay is being taken from you, they are the people who act on it.
8
Free, impartial advice before you do anything
Acas gives free advice to workers and employers on rights, disputes and dismissal, and it is independent of both. Talk to them before you resign or sign anything you are unsure about.
In the United Kingdom
Free and independent
Acas
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Free, impartial advice on your rights, your contract, a dispute or a dismissal, for workers and employers alike.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
Report worker exploitation
Labour exploitation, unpaid wages, being charged to work, having your documents taken.
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline
24 hours a day
Confidential, 24 hours, in many languages, for anyone who is being forced to work or cannot leave a job.
Emergency services
Any time
Police, fire, ambulance. 101 is the police non-emergency number.
Also here
Also free
Your rights in IrelandThe entitlement, and the body that enforces it.If something goes wrongThe entitlement, and the body that enforces it.Practice testsEnglish, and the rules of the road for Ireland and the UK. Free.Settling in where you landA doctor, a bank, a place to pray, a shop that stocks home, and people who play your sport.
This page is general information about the law, not legal advice, and it is no substitute for advice on your own situation. It was checked against the official sources shown, in September 2026. The law and the figures change. Before you rely on anything here, open the official link beside it or ring the body named, and if the matter is serious, take proper advice.