Starting a New Job This Summer? Know Your Employment Rights

Summer is often a season of new beginnings, and for many, that includes starting a new job. Whether you're stepping into your first role, returning to the workforce, or switching careers, it's essential to understand your legal rights from day one.

At francis george solicitor-advocate, we regularly advise individuals starting new employment who aren't fully aware of what they are entitled to, or what employers can and cannot do. If you’re starting a new role this summer, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from day one.

1. You Have the Right to a Written Employment Contract

All employees in the UK are entitled to a written principal statement of employment particulars from their employer - on or before the first day of work. This isn't just a formality; it sets out the key terms of your employment, such as pay, working hours, holiday entitlement, and notice periods.

If you don’t receive this, it’s a red flag — and something our employment law team can help you challenge.

2. Probation Doesn’t Override Your Employment Rights

It’s common for new employees to start under a “probation period,” but this doesn’t mean your rights are suspended. From day one, you are entitled to:

• National Minimum Wage (based on age)

• Protection against discrimination

• Statutory Sick Pay (if eligible)

• Holiday entitlement (which begins accruing immediately)

• A written payslip for every pay period

Probation periods are useful for employers to assess performance — but they don’t exempt them from following employment law.

3. You Must Be Paid the Legal Minimum

As of April 2025, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates are:

• £12.21 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)

• £10.00 – Ages 18–20

• £7.55 – Ages 16–17

• £7.55 – Apprentices (under 19 or in first year)

If you're being paid less, even during training or probation, you're being underpaid — and that’s illegal.

4. Holiday Pay and Payslips Are Not Optional

You are legally entitled to holiday leave and pay from the moment you start working. Full-time workers receive 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year, and part-time employees accrue this on a pro-rata basis.

You also have a legal right to a payslip, showing:

• Gross pay and deductions

• Net pay

• Hours worked (for hourly contracts)

If you're not getting one, it's worth asking why — and seeking advice.

5. You Can’t Be Dismissed Without Due Process

Although employees usually need two years' service to bring a claim for unfair dismissal, there are important exceptions that apply from day one:

• Discrimination based on race, sex, disability, age, etc.

• Dismissal for whistleblowing or raising health and safety concerns

• Being fired for asserting statutory rights (such as minimum wage or holiday pay)

If your new job ends suddenly, don't assume you have no legal protection — talk to a solicitor.

6. A Quick Word on Notice Periods

After you've worked one full month, you're entitled to at least one week's notice — unless you’re dismissed for gross misconduct. Your contract may offer more generous notice, but never less.

Need Help? Speak to a Specialist

If you're unsure about any part of your contract, payslip, or dismissal — or something just doesn't feel right — our Employment Law team at francis george solicitor-advocate is here to help. Whether you need advice, negotiation support, or legal representation, we can provide straightforward, confidential guidance.

Know your rights — and start your new job with confidence.

References

• Acas (2023) Contracts, working hours and pay. Available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/employment-contracts (Accessed: 2 June 2025).

• GOV.UK (2024) Employment rights: Starting a job. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions (Accessed: 2 June 2025).

• GOV.UK (2025) National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates (Accessed: 2 June 2025).

• Citizens Advice (2024) Check your holiday rights. Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/holidays/ (Accessed: 2 June 2025).

• Equality and Human Rights Commission (2023) Your rights at work. Available at: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com (Accessed: 2 June 2025).