UK Care Worker Rights 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Your complete guide to employment rights as a care worker in the UK, including special protections for sponsored visa holders.
Key Rights at a Glance
- You have the same employment rights as any UK worker, regardless of your visa status
- Your employer cannot hold your passport or immigration documents
- You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for all hours worked
- You can switch employers without your current employer's permission
- You are protected from unfair dismissal, discrimination, and harassment
Working Hours
The Working Time Regulations 1998 set clear limits on working hours:
Night workers: If you regularly work nights, you cannot work more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period on average. Your employer must offer you a free health assessment.
Holiday Entitlement
All workers in the UK are entitled to paid annual leave:
- 5.6 weeks per year (28 days for full-time, pro-rated for part-time)
- This includes bank holidays (employer can count them as part of your 28 days)
- Holiday pay must be at your normal rate of pay
- You build up holiday from day one of employment
- Unused holiday must be paid out when you leave a job
Pay Rights
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| National Living Wage | GBP 12.21/hour (21+) from April 2025 for ALL hours worked |
| Itemised payslip | You must receive a detailed payslip showing gross pay, deductions, and net pay |
| Travel time | Time spent travelling between clients during your shift must be paid |
| Sleep-in shifts | At least NMW for hours you are required to be awake; varies for sleeping hours |
| Training time | Mandatory training must be paid at your normal rate |
| No illegal deductions | Employer CANNOT deduct visa costs, recruitment fees, or excessive accommodation |
Special Protections for Sponsored Workers
As a sponsored visa holder, you have additional protections:
Right to Switch Employers
You can switch to any employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. Your current employer does not need to agree. Read our switching guide.
No Clawback Clauses
Employers cannot charge you for visa sponsorship costs, the Immigration Skills Charge, or recruitment fees. Any clause in your contract requiring repayment of these costs is unenforceable.
60-Day Grace Period
If your employer loses their licence or you are dismissed, you have 60 days to find a new sponsor and submit a new visa application. Your existing permission to work continues during this period.
Whistleblower Protection
You are legally protected if you report your employer for breaking the law (e.g., paying below minimum wage, unsafe conditions). Your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you unfairly for reporting.
Where to Get Help
ACAS Helpline
Free employment advice
0300 123 1100
Modern Slavery Helpline
If documents held or forced labour
08000 121 700
Citizens Advice
Free legal guidance
0800 144 8848
HMRC (Pay issues)
Report minimum wage violations
0300 123 1100
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can a care worker work per week?
Maximum 48 hours per week on average (over 17 weeks). You can voluntarily opt out but cannot be forced to. You can opt back in by giving notice.
Can my employer hold my passport?
No. This is illegal and can be a sign of modern slavery. Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) immediately if your employer holds your documents.
What happens if my employer loses their sponsor licence?
You get 60 days to find a new sponsor. Use CareVisa to search for alternative sponsors. You can continue working during this period.
Am I entitled to sick pay?
Yes. SSP is GBP 116.75/week for up to 28 weeks if you earn at least GBP 123/week and have been off 4+ consecutive days. Many employers offer enhanced sick pay above this.