Working part-time while you study
You might need to work part-time for financial reasons, or you might just want to learn new skills and gain experience. But before you start looking for a part-time job, there are a few things you need to consider:
How many hours can you work?
The university allows you to work as many hours as you like as long as it does not affect your studies. A sensible guideline for full-time students is 12–15 hours per week. Remember that your studies need to take priority.
Bulgarian and Romanian students will need to obtain a registration certificate before they can take a job in the UK. See right for important information on this.
If you are an international student from outside the EU you should check your visa. It will tell you if you can work and for how many hours a week. If you are unsure check with the UK Border Agency or UKCISA.
National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum amount that an employer must pay you per hour. It covers most jobs in the UK.
Current rates are:
- £6.19/hour - workers aged 21 and over
- £4.98/hour - the 18-20 rate
- £3.68/hour - the 16-17 rate
- £2.60/hour for apprentices who are either under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship
Full details are available from Gov.uk.
National Insurance
Most people who work must pay National Insurance contributions (NICs). All UK citizens are automatically issued a National Insurance (NI) number when they turn 16. If you were not a UK resident at age 16 you will need to apply for an NI number.
Bulgarian and Romanian students will need to obtain a registration certificate before they can apply for an NI number. See right for important information on this.
Call 0845 600 0643 to make an appointment to get an NI number. You will have to go to attend an interview at the local Job Centre.
Your employer will deduct your NICs from your wages. If you are self-employed you will need to pay them directly.
Tax
Everyone who works must pay tax. If you work for an employer then this will be deducted from your wages (PAYE). If you are self-employed you will need to register with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and pay your tax directly.
Always keep your pay slips and any tax forms your employer or the government sends to you. If you earn less than £8,105 during the year (the 2012-13 personal allowance) you can claim the tax back, if you only work during the holidays you might not need to pay any tax.
The main enquiry number for all Sussex tax enquiries is: 0845 366 7856.
Further details are available at Directgov - Working while you study: paying tax.
Your rights at work
Student workers have the same rights as everyone else and are covered by employment law. If you think you are being treated unfairly or are having problems at work, contact us for help and advice. You can also access information and advice from the following;
- Employment terms and conditions
Government site summarising your rights under UK employment law. - Basic rights at work
Information on your rights at work from the Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB). You'll also find details of your nearest CAB office where you can discuss your queries in person. This is a free service. - Joining a trade union
Government site summarising the benefits of joining a union. Includes information on how to find a trade union.
Scams
There are fraudulent jobs being advertised. To be on the safe side:
- Do not respond to unsolicited emails.
- Never give out your bank details to an employer unless you have been through the recruitment process, have accepted a job offer and are confident they are legitimate.
- Do not get involved in any work that requires you to undertake financial transactions, such as paying money into your bank account and forwarding the money to someone else.
- Before you sign any contract it is essential you check that it is in accordance with your rights under employment law. If you are in any doubt, please discuss with us before signing a contract or accepting a job.
- Check the legitimacy of the company - are they registered with Companies House, registered for VAT, do they have insurance?
- Jobs that are too good to be true - probably are!
- Find useful info on protecting yourself from fraud at Action Fraud