Hours and pay

Each April sees the increase to the National Living and Minimum Wage rates, and other statutory rates of pay

The tables below show the current rates applicable for the above, and the revised rates which will apply from April 2026.

If you have any queries regarding these matters, please feel free to contact our Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300

Employees are entitled to breaks for meals and to rest. As far as possible employers should provide breaks, facilities and comfortable surroundings for additional needs such as breastfeeding or expressing milk.

The amount of hours and employee works for employer should be clearly laid out in the employment contract.

The statutory redundancy payment scheme aims to ensure that people who are dismissed through no fault of their own receive compensation.  Employees who meet certain requirements are statutorily entitled to a lump sum from their employer. 

The gender pay gap measures the difference between average (median) hourly earnings of men and women, usually shown by the percentage men earn more than women.