Before you say yes to a UK job: right-to-work checks, pay and written terms

A job offer can bring relief: rent feels possible, savings can begin, and a new city becomes more manageable. But before you say yes, check the practical details that protect you later: right-to-work process, pay, hours, written terms and payslips.

For Arab and MENA women in the UK — including students, new graduates, mothers returning to work and women rebuilding a career after migration — the pressure to accept quickly can be real. A careful question is not rudeness. It is normal working life.

Right-to-work checks should use official routes

If you have digital immigration status, an employer may ask for a share code so they can check your right to work. Use the official GOV.UK route and do not send unnecessary screenshots of your wider immigration account. If your status includes work conditions, check your own position rather than relying on another person’s visa story.

Ask for pay and hours in writing

GOV.UK and Acas guidance explain written terms and employment-contract basics. Before starting, try to confirm: job title, hourly rate or salary, expected hours, location, trial shifts, training pay, overtime, holiday, notice and who pays you. National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates change, so check the official page for the current rate and your eligibility.

Payslips are evidence

Workers are entitled to itemised payslips. Keep every payslip, rota and message about shifts. If the first payslip does not match your record, ask early and in writing. Many problems are easier to fix before an underpayment becomes a pattern.

What to do today

• Write down the offer details before accepting.
• Check the official minimum wage page for the current rate.
• Save your share-code confirmation and contract separately.
• Do not discuss visa restrictions or workplace disputes in public comments with identifying details.

Featured image licence/source note

Illustrative featured image: File:A young business woman holding Macbook in his home office.jpg; credit Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons; licence CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/); source https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_young_business_woman_holding_Macbook_in_his_home_office.jpg. AWWN branded feature version uses existing local approved asset with pillar-colour strap.

Sources checked

• GOV.UK: Prove your right to work — accessed 17 September 2026. Supports: official right-to-work share-code route; does not determine every visa/work-hours condition. Check: 200
• GOV.UK: Employment contracts — accessed 17 September 2026. Supports: official written statement/contracts overview. Check: 200
• GOV.UK: Payslips — accessed 17 September 2026. Supports: official entitlement to itemised payslips for workers. Check: 200
• GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates — accessed 17 September 2026. Supports: official rate page; readers must check current rate and age/status eligibility. Check: 200
• ACAS: Employment contracts — accessed 17 September 2026. Supports: employment relations guidance; individual disputes may need advice. Check: 200

Last checked: 17 September 2026. General community information only; not legal, immigration, employment, medical, financial or safety advice. For urgent danger, use emergency services or qualified specialist support.

Featured image licence note

Featured image uses a distinct UK/London Muslim women/community photograph selected for AWWN’s Arab/MENA women in the UK audience: Young Muslim Women; credit: garryknight; licence: by. Branded with the AWWN logo and article pillar colour strap. Alt text: Illustrative photo of young Muslim women gathered on city steps, used for a work-readiness article..