Life in the UK Test Chapter 6 Summary Key points to memorize

Life in the UK Test Chapter 6 Summary Tate modern LondonLooking for Work

  • It is recommended for jobseekers to go the Home Office website, “Working in the UK”, or on Jobcentre Plus, as well as the low-cost telephone service, Jobseeker Direct.
  • Your curriculum vitae and a covering letter are documents you need when applying for a job.
  • Employers have the right to perform a background check, especially if the job involves children or vulnerable people.
  • Volunteering and work experience can help you land the job of your choice more easily, as it is an advantage.

Equal rights and discrimination

  • It is unlawful for employers to refuse an application or discriminate someone at work.
  • There are a number of jobs where discrimination laws do not apply. Examples are work-at-home jobs.
  • You can get more information on law and racial discrimination from the Commission for Racial Equality. The Equal Opportunities Commission can help with sex discrimination issues and the Disability Rights Commission can help you with disability discrimination issues. In 2007, they will be brought into one Commission called, Commission for Equality and Human Rights.
  • Sexual harassment can take different forms, these include:
    • Indecent remarks
    • Comments about the way you look that make you feel uncomfortable or humiliated
    • Comments or questions about your sex life
    • Inappropriate touching or sexual demands
    • Bullying behavior or being treated in a way that is rude, hostile, degrading or humiliating because of your sex

At work

  • At the beginning of the job, you are given your work contract stating your work hours, description, benefits and the end of your employment with the company.
  • Minimum wage for the following age groups are:
    • 22 and above – £5.35 an hour
    • 18-21 – £4.45 an hour
    • 16-17 – £3.30 an hour
    • Under 16 – There is no National Minimum Wage !!!
  • Taxes and National Insurance are automatically deducted from your salary. If you are self-employed, you need to pay for your taxes and insurance manually.
  • Your National Insurance number is given before your 16th birthday. If you’re not given one, you can apply for one at Jobcentre Plus or at your local Social Security Office.
  • Pensions are availed once they have paid enough National Insurance contributions, and you are currently 65 years of age.
  • Trade unions are organizations who aim to improve the pay and better the working conditions of the employees. They can also help you if you have problems regarding your work.
  • It is punishable by the law if you’re unfairly dismissed from your job. They should give a good explanation on why you should be dismissed before they can remove you from your job.
  • If a company does not need your services anymore, or cannot afford to pay you, you are entitled to a redundancy pay.
  • You can claim allowances if you’re unemployed on Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA). This is applicable only for 18-65 year old people. If you’re 16-17 years old, you can apply for a Young Person’s Bridging Allowance (YPBA).
  • New Deal helps unemployed people get back on the job by giving them learning programs and support.

Working for yourself

  • Life in the UK Test St DunstansSelf-employed people must pay their taxes and NI by themselves. They also have to keep track of their expenses on the businesses they run and send it to HM Revenue and Customs every year.
  • British citizens can work in any country that is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Childcare and children at work for Life in the UK test chapter 6

  • Women who are expecting a baby are entitled to a maternity leave for up to 26 weeks.
  • Men whose wives are expecting a baby are entitled to a paternity leave for up to 2 weeks, provided they have worked for at least 26 weeks in their office.
  • You can start working at age 13, but there are limitations. For example, you are not allowed to take on jobs on hazardous places like the kitchen, or with machinery (except computers).
  • 13-16 year old children can NOT work in these cases:
    • for more than 4 hours without a one-hour break
    • for more than 2 hours on any school day or Sunday
    • On Saturdays, and (on Weekdays during School Holidays)
      • Cannot work for more than 5 Hours (13-14 Year Olds)
      • Cannot work for more than 8 Hours (15-16 Year Olds)
    • before 7AM or after 7PM
    • for more than one hour before school starts (if allowed by local bylaw)
    • Before the Close of School hours
    • for more than 12 hours in any school week
  • 15-16 year old children can work more than 14 year old children.

 

Life in the UK Test Chapter 6 Summary Disclaimer

This is a Life in the UK Test Chapter 6 Summary, and NOT the official Life in the UK Test.

Every effort has been made to make this Free Life in the UK Test Chapter 6 Summary (of Employment – from the official handbook – Life in the United Kingdom A Journey to Citizenship 2nd Edition) on this site as complete and as accurate as possible, so that you will be thoroughly prepared for the Life in the UK Test, but NO warranty or fitness is implied.

Life in the UK test practice questions for Chapter 6 are at http://lifeuk.info/aboutus/life-in-the-uk-test-chapter-6-exam-1/

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