Student Employment Rights – A Simple SU Guide
Many students juggle work and study, so this guide gives you the essential employment rights to help you feel confident, informed and treated fairly at work.
1. Who is protected
If you’re paid for work, even part-time, casual, or zero-hours, you are usually a worker or employee with legal rights.
- Some unpaid placements (e.g., part of your course) may not have pay rights, but you still have basic protections like health and safety.
For more guidance on your employment status:
2. Pay & National Minimum Wage
All workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for their age.
Rates until April 2026:
| Age |
Minimum per hour |
| 21+ |
£12.21 |
| 18-20 |
£10 |
| Under 18 |
£7.55 |
| Apprentice |
£7.55 |
If your pay is below this, it is against the law.
Check current rates: GOV.UK – Minimum Wage
3. Working Hours & Breaks
You are entitled to:
- Rest breaks: 20 mins if working more than six hours
- Daily rest: 11 hours between shifts
- Weekly rest: 24 hours in a week (or 48 in two weeks)
Special rules apply if you’re under 18.
4. Holiday Pay
You are entitled to paid holiday, even in part-time or casual jobs.
- Statutory minimum: 28 days paid annual leave. This is the equivalent of 5.6 weeks per year (pro-rata for part-time - (pro-rata means you get a proportion of a full amount, based on the hours you work))
- Holiday pay should be at your normal hourly rate
Use the 'Calculate your Holiday Entitlement' Tool here from the government to check
5. Payslips & Contracts
You have the right to:
- A written statement of terms (pay, hours, holiday, notice)
- An itemised payslip showing pay and deductions
Keep copies of your payslips and contract for your records.
6. Tax & National Insurance
You may pay tax and National Insurance if earnings exceed thresholds. Many students do not pay tax due to the personal allowance.
Check your status: HMRC – Income Tax
7. Health & Safety
Your employer must provide a safe workplace.
If conditions are unsafe, raise it with your employer or contact the Health and Safety Executive or Citizens Advice.
8.
Disability rights and reasonable adjustments
If you’re disabled, have a long‑term health condition, or a mental health condition that affects daily life, you’re protected by the Equality Act 2010. Employers must not treat you unfairly and may need to make reasonable adjustments so you can work safely and effectively.
Adjustments can include flexible hours, quieter spaces, remote working, or specialist equipment. What’s “reasonable” depends on your role and the employer’s resources.
Further support:
9. Contract types (including zero-hours)
You may be offered fixed-hours, part-time, or zero-hours contracts.
- Zero-hours contracts are legal and give flexibility, but don’t guarantee work or income.
- Check how shifts are offered, cancelled, and paid before agreeing.
- You still have the same basic employment rights, including minimum wage and paid holiday.
- Employers must enrol some workers into a pension and contribute
- Not all students will qualify automatically
- You can usually opt in or opt out
- You should be given information by your employer
- You can ask questions or seek advice if unsure
For guidance:
- Citizens Advice – https://www.acas.org.uk/employment-contracts
- Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) – https://www.acas.org.uk/zero-hours-contracts
- Please Note – there are changes to the law and Zero-hour contracts expected to come into effect around 2027 - so watch this space.
10. Pensions
- Employers must enrol some workers into a pension and contribute
- Not all students will qualify automatically
- You can usually opt in or opt out
- You should be given information by your employer
- You can ask questions or seek advice if unsure
11.
Trade unions for student workers
If you’re working part‑time, temporary, or casual jobs alongside your studies, you can join a trade union. Unions offer advice, support with workplace issues, and representation if something goes wrong.
Membership is usually low‑cost for students and a good way to stay informed about your rights.
Further support:
What to do if your rights are violated
- Talk to your employer
- Go to your Trade Union
- Get free advice:
- Keep records of hours, pay, and communications.
Quick checks before starting a job
- Does your contract state hourly rate, hours, holiday, and breaks?
- Is your pay at least the minimum wage?
- Do you understand your employment status (worker vs unpaid placement)?
Need SU advice?
- Email: advice@thesu.org.uk
Book an appointment
For international students: