Current Region & Language

United Kingdom

Employment in United Kingdom

Updated on: April 1, 2025

Currency

British Pound Sterling (GBP)

Employer Taxes

Total: 18.5% 15% (NI) + 3% (pension) + 0.5% (Apprenticeship Levy)

Payroll Frequency

Monthly or Biweekly

Language

English

Date Format

DD/MM/YYYY

United Kingdom By The Numbers

67 million

Population

GBP 2.7 trillion

GDP

8

National Holidays

Country Information

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Weekly Working Hours

Regular working hours are limited to 48 hours per week which is averaged over a 17 week reference period. An employer does not have to pay a worker for overtime, but the average salary for the total number of hours worked should not fall below the National Minimum Wage (£11.44). Check individual agreements as to rates.

National Holidays

  • New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday (except Scotland)
  • Early May Bank Holiday
  • Spring Bank Holiday
  • Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland)
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day

Leave

Employees are entitled to various types of leave, such as holiday leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, and adoption leave. The duration and pay for each type of leave can differ depending on local labor laws and company-specific policies.

Employment Contracts

A minimum statement of terms is required by law, outlining essential details such as job title, salary, and working hours. While this is a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that employers provide a full employment contract to ensure clarity and protect both the employer’s and employee’s rights.

Types of Employment

Employees, temporary agency workers, and independent contractors are all recognized types of employment.

Employment Costs

Total: 18.5% 15% (NI) + 3% (pension) + 0.5% (Apprenticeship Levy)

IC Class Factors

A status assessment is multi-faceted and dependent upon a number factors and a totality approach is required in order to determine the outcome. Prevalent considerations include (but are not limited to) an analysis of the degree of control, subordination, exclusivity, economic risk of individual, integration into the organisation, subcontracting of work and the right to substitution.

Labor Leasing

Temporary worker placement does not require a labor leasing licensing.

Minimum Wage Requirements

The minimum wage in the UK is £12.21 GBP per hour.

Medical Benefits

Employees in the UK have access to the National Health Service (NHS) for healthcare services. Additionally, they are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is £118.75 per week, payable for up to 28 weeks.

Probationary Periods

The probationary period is typically between 3 and 6 months with a 12 month maximum.

Termination Notice

In the UK, employees are entitled to a termination notice of one week for each continuous year of employment. The minimum notice period is one week, and the maximum is twelve weeks, depending on the length of the employee’s service with the company.

Severance

In the UK, employees are entitled to 1.5 weeks’ pay for each year of service, depending on their age, with a maximum of 20 years of service. In cases where the proper process for termination is not followed, additional compensation for loss of office may be payable, ranging from 3 to 12 months’ salary.

Pre-hire Checks

In the UK, employers are required to conduct immigration and right to work checks to ensure that employees are legally authorized to work. Credit checks can be performed if justified by the role. Criminal record checks may also be carried out if required by the nature of the job. However, pregnancy tests are prohibited by law, and health screening is only permitted in limited circumstances, such as for specific roles or where required by health and safety regulations.

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