What are my basic rights at work as a care worker?
Whether you're on a contract or zero hours, you have core rights from day one: written terms, payslips, rest breaks, paid holiday and at least the minimum wage.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read. It includes a ready-made letter you can fill in.
Your rights
- A written statement of your main terms from your first day.
- An itemised payslip that shows how your pay was worked out.
- A 20-minute break if you work more than six hours, 11 hours' rest between working days, and a weekly day off (or two days a fortnight).
- Not to work more than an average of 48 hours a week unless you agree to it in writing. You can change your mind later.
- On a zero-hours contract, you can't be stopped from working for another employer.
- Statutory Sick Pay if you qualify. The rules are changing, so check GOV.UK.
What to do next
- Keep your rota, your visit times and your payslips. Photos on your phone are fine.
- Check your hourly pay after travel time is included.
- Raise problems in writing. If that doesn't work, use the grievance letter on this page.
- Joining a trade union gives you advice and someone to come to meetings with you.
Say this
“Can I have my written statement of terms and payslips that show my hours and travel time, please?”
The law behind it (England)
- Employment Rights Act 1996s.1 written terms, s.8 payslips
- Working Time Regulations 1998breaks, rest and the 48-hour week
- National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015minimum wage
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- Employment law is the same in Scotland. Most care workers there must also register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- Wales
- Employment law is the same in Wales. Care workers there must register with Social Care Wales.
- Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland has its own employment law (such as the Employment Rights (NI) Order 1996). Care workers there register with the NI Social Care Council (NISCC).
Easy Read
What you need to know
- From your first day, you get your job rules in writing.
- You get a payslip.
- You get breaks and time off.
- You get paid holiday.
What you can do
- Keep your rotas and payslips.
- Think about joining a trade union.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.