The idea of being a “seasonal worker” might make you think of summer fruit picking or pulling pints behind a bar during the holidays. But seasonal work is way more than that! Lots of businesses need extra pairs of hands during busy times, whether it’s shops over Christmas or warehouses during major sales periods.
If you’re considering taking on a seasonal position, be sure you know your rights. Don’t get tricked into thinking that a short timeframe means short rights! It doesn’t matter if you’re working for a week or six months, you’re entitled to fair treatment and proper pay. we will also highlight how you can start a work injury claim with national claims.
Let’s break down what you need to know:
Seasonal Worker Pay And Contracts: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re paid an hourly rate or a salary, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age. For anyone over the age of 23, that’s the National Living Wage. No shortcuts allowed, even if it’s a seasonal role!
While some seasonal work might be done with just a verbal agreement, it’s way better to have a written contract in hand. This little document is your friend, outlining:
- Your official job title
- Your pay rate & how often you’ll be paid (e.g., weekly)
- Hours of work
- Start and end dates of your employment
- Holiday entitlement (yes, you get this!)
Seasonal Worker Rights: Understanding Hours and Breaks
Seasonal work can be hectic! But, that doesn’t mean you’re meant to work 24/7. There are clear limits:
- Normally, you can’t work more than 48 hours per week on average.
- If you work over 6 hours in a day, you’re entitled to at least a 20-minute break.
- You should get at least one full day off per week.
Your employer might ask you to work overtime, but they can’t force you to do so. It’s your choice!
Holiday Pay for Seasonal Workers: Your Entitlement
Yep, even seasonal workers deserve a break! You’ll earn (‘accrue’) holiday pay just like a permanent employee. The standard is 5.6 weeks of paid leave in a year, but it’s calculated based on how long you work (pro-rata).
Worried about calculating that yourself? The government has a handy guide, When you finish your seasonal job, you should be paid for any holiday you’ve earned but haven’t had the chance to take, so don’t feel guilty about claiming it.
Seasonal Workers And Sick Pay: Eligibility and Rights
Feeling under the weather? It happens. Sadly, not all seasonal workers qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer. To be eligible, you need to:
- Earn at least £123 per week on average.
- Be sick for at least 4 days in a row.
- Have been employed long enough (check contract details)
It’s a bit complicated, but even if you don’t qualify for SSP, you still need to let your employer know as soon as possible that you won’t be in.
Fair Treatment for Seasonal Workers: Discrimination And Rights
This is the big one. Whether you’re picking strawberries or packing boxes, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. Unfortunately, some employers don’t always act right. If you feel like you’re being discriminated against due to your age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics, that’s wrong.
It’s also wrong if your employer fires you for unfair reasons, especially if it’s connected to discrimination. Employers can’t withhold your pay without a good reason either. If you’re facing any of these problems, speak to your manager or HR department. If that doesn’t resolve the situation, you can get free help from the ACAS helpline.
Receive a Call About Your Claim
Health And Safety for Seasonal Workers: Your Employer’s Duty
Your employer has a duty to keep you safe and healthy at all times, just like they do for their permanent employees. That means providing training on how to do your job safely so you avoid accidents. You should also receive any necessary safety equipment, like gloves, goggles, or hardhats, depending on your job. Your employer must tell you about any potential dangers in your workplace to help you stay aware.
Finally, it’s your right to have clear instructions on what to do if there’s a fire or other emergencies. If you ever feel things are unsafe, be sure to speak up and advocate for improvements to protect yourself and your colleagues.
Making a Work Accident Claim with National Claims
If you’ve been injured in an accident while working – whether you’re a delivery driver navigating city traffic, a construction worker on a busy site, or anyone who’s been hurt due to negligence while on the job – National Claims can help. We understand the unique challenges and complexities of work-related accidents, and we’re dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation
Let’s start with a free consultation to discuss the details of your accident. We’ll listen carefully to your experience, assess the situation, and give you honest advice about the strength of your claim. We’ll explain your rights and what you can expect from the claims process.
No Win, No Fee*
At National Claims, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of financial limitations. That’s why we operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. You won’t pay any upfront legal fees, so you can pursue your claim without financial worries.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Conclusion
Seasonal work can be a fantastic opportunity, allowing you to try new jobs, earn extra money, and gain valuable experience. But remember, regardless of the length of your contract, you are a worker with rights worth protecting. Knowing about fair pay, holiday time, and your right to a safe and respectful work environment gives you power.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
