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Overtime law - what is overtime, overtime pay, employee rights, part-time workers and time off in lieu

• Overview

  If you have normal working hours, overtime usually means any time you work…

• Compulsory overtime

  You only have to work overtime if your contract says so. Even if it does,…

• Part-time workers

  Usually, part-time workers must not be treated less favourably than…

• Time off and paid leave

  Time off in lieu (TOIL) Some employers give you time off instead of paying…

The rules on working hours - hour and limits, rests, health assessments and terms and conditions

• Hours and limits

  Staff who regularly work at least 3 hours during the ‘night period’ are…

• Exceptions to night work limits

  The limits on night working hours do not usually apply: in the armed…

• Health assessments

  Employers must offer workers a free health assessment before they become a…

Minimum wage rates for different types of paid employment - time work, output work, unmeasured work, salaried hours work.

• Overview

  The National Minimum Wage is worked out at an hourly rate, but it applies…

• Paid by the hour

  Workers paid according to the number of hours they are at work are classed…

• Paid an annual salary

  Most people paid an annual salary are classed as doing ‘salaried hours…

• Paid per task or piece of work done

  Workers paid per task they perform or piece of work they do (known as…

• Paid in other ways (unmeasured work)

  If the work is not covered by any of the other types of work, it’s…

Apply for a Temporary Work - Religious Worker visa to do religious work in the UK - getting sponsored, fees, eligibility, family members.

Apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you're working under international law (including diplomatic households) - extend or switch, family members

Working time directive and maximum weekly working hours including how to calculate your weekly working hours and working time limits if you're a young worker.

Apply for a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa for work experience, training, research or fellowship - eligibility, extend or switch, family members

Check what type of drivers' hours rules you need to follow if you drive a goods vehicle or a bus or coach.

Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber decision by Judge Caldwell on 23 October 2025.

• Updated: 1 December 2025

Apply for a Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa to work in the UK in the creative industry - eligibility, extend, bring your family.