Free help, and who gives it
A problem at work usually has one right place to take it, and it is free. Find your problem on the left.
None of these organisations is connected to us and none of them will charge you. If anybody asks you for money to reach one of them, it is a scam.
Having a hard week? Quotes to keep you going, and the true stories of companies that started small.
| If your problem is | Go to |
|---|---|
| Pay, hours, holiday or dismissal | Acas Free, impartial advice on any problem at work, and the free early conciliation you must go through before most tribunal claims. The time limit for most claims is three months less one day, so ring early. |
| Anything at all, face to face or by phone | Citizens Advice Free, confidential help with work, money, debt, housing and benefits, and somebody who will help you write the letter. |
| An agency charging you, or not paying you | Pay and work rights complaints The government's route for complaints about the minimum wage, holiday pay and employment agencies, which now go to the Fair Work Agency. You can complain without telling your employer. |
| Exploitation or forced labour | Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline 08000 121 700, day and night, with interpreters. You do not have to give your name. |
| Proving you can work in the UK | Prove your right to work Get a free share code for an employer. It lasts 90 days and can be used more than once. Never pay anybody for one. |
| Your driving licence record | View your driving licence See your categories and points, and make a check code for an employer. Free. The code lasts 21 days and works once. |
| How much holiday you are owed | Holiday entitlement calculator The official calculator, including for irregular hours and part years. |
| Whether you are being paid enough | National Minimum Wage rates The current rates by age. Check your hours against your payslip. |
| Tax taken wrongly, or a wrong tax code | HMRC: Income Tax Check your tax code and claim back tax you overpaid. |
| Taking a claim further | Employment tribunals How to make a claim, after Acas early conciliation. Free to bring. |
| A scam, or money taken by fraud | Report Fraud The national fraud reporting centre. Tell your bank first if money has left your account. |
| A new career or a course | National Careers Service Free careers advice, skills checks and routes into funded training. |
If you are in danger now, call 999. And if the problem is with an advert or an employer on this site, tell us. Our own advice on the commonest traps is on spotting job scams.