Starting work: what to expect :Cross Stitch – Young people
If you’re starting your first job, there are a few things your employer will give you. They will help you perform your job safely and answer all your questions about your new workplace.
When you start working you will need to give your employer the National Insurance number that you received from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
You will have received a National Insurance number card or notification letter when you reached the age of 16 (HMRC no longer issues plastic National Insurance cards).
When you accept a job and become employed by someone, there is always a contract between you and your employer. Although it doesn’t always have to be in writing or signed, this contract covers your basic rights at work.
However, you should receive a written statement of employment within two months of your start date if you are an employee. This will detail things like:
- your rate of pay
- your holiday entitlement
- your hours of work
- the amount of notice time you have to give if you want to leave
- the amount of notice time your employer must give you if they want to end your employment
If you don’t get one, ask your employer about it. You may find that this information is given out in the staff handbook.
To ease you into your new job, most companies will give you an induction during your first few days. During an induction, you will
- be introduced to the people you will be working with
- be shown around your place of work
- be told about what you will be doing on a day to day basis
- get all the training you need to do your job
This is the best opportunity to ask general questions about the job and your employer. If you do have any worries or concerns, it’s a good idea to raise them at the end of this conversation.
An employer has a responsibility to look after your health and safety at work, so you will be told about any risks that you may come across in your place of work and where all the safety equipment is. Things you will be told about include:
- where the fire exits are
- where you can find the first aid kit
- whether you need any special clothing or protection to do certain parts of your job
If you’re working in a kitchen or a workshop, your work may mean using equipment that can be dangerous. Before letting you use any pieces of equipment, your employer will make sure that you’re fully trained on how to use it safely. Do not try to use any piece of equipment before you have been given this training.
All employees are entitled to work in a place that is free from discrimination and bullying, no matter how long you have been working there. There are laws that are there to protect you, regardless of your age, gender, race, religion and sexuality.
During your first few days, you might be told how your new company deals with bullying and intimidating behaviour in the workplace and how they deal with a complaint. If you are being discriminated against at work, tell your manager as soon as possible.