You & Your Rights

At what age can I?

16 years - Once you Leave School , you can:

• get a National Insurance Number
• a full time job
• must pay national insurance contributions if employed
• join a union
• choose your own doctor and religion
• drink beer, perry or cider with a meal in a licensed restaurant
• be sent to a detention and training centre from the age of 12 years
• ride a moped under 50cc and if in receipt of the higher rate of disability living allowance, drive a car
• a girl can legally consent to sexual intercourse
• a male can lawfully consent to sex in private with another male (See also relationships)
• your parent loses child benefit unless you are still in full-time education
• you can buy premium bonds and national lottery tickets
• you can apply for Legal Aid; you must pay NHS prescription charges and dental charges except in certain circumstances. (See also dentists & health costs)

With guardian/parents' consent you can:

• change your name
• get married
• leave home
• have your own passport (you do not need concent if you are a member of the armed forces or married)
• join the armed forces
• donate your body and organs for transplant

17 years You can:

• drive a car or ride a motorbike up to 125cc (See also driving or getting on the road)
• apply for a private pilot's licence
• be a blood donor
• be a street trader except on Sundays
• a care order can no longer be made on you.

18 years - You become an adult in the eyes of the law

• You can leave home
• get married
• carry an organ donor card
• change your name and apply for a passport without parental consent
• buy alcoholic drinks
• be sold cigarettes or tobacco
• vote
• make a will
• sit on a jury
• Buy on Hire Purchase (HP)
• own land, shares and property in your own name
• sign contracts
• sue and be sued
• see a certificate 18 film
• be tattooed
• drive a goods vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes
• become liable to register for and pay the Council Tax
• can bet in a betting shop
• buy fireworks
• get your name and address put on the adoption contact register in case your natural parents want to contact you.

21 years You can do all the above and more! You can:

• adopt a child
• stand for local council or parliament
• hold a licence to drive a lorry, bus and motorcycle of any capacity
• hold a licence to sell alcohol.

The law and your family

A child's birth

Must be registered by the Registrar within 42 days of the birth. If the parents are not married and they want the father's name on the birth certificate, he should go to the registry office with the mother.

Birth certificates

Are important and need to be kept safe. You can get copies of your birth certificate by contacting the Registrar in the county where you were born - see phone book under 'Registration' or 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page.

Parental Rights and Duties

Fathers or mothers, whether married or unmarried, can be ordered by a court or the Child Support Agency to contribute to bringing up their child.

Parental rights diminish as a child becomes older. Anyone who has parental responsibility may apply for a residence order, which requires the child to live with them until the child reaches their 18th birthday. A mother always has parental responsibility for her child. As does the father if he was married to the mother at the time of the birth. An unmarried father would not have parental responsibility unless he obtains a court order, or if the mother agrees to give it to him, or if he and child's mother register the birth together. A father's right regarding his child's education are wider, even if he does not have parental responsibility, he can attend parents' evenings and have access to his child's school recors.

However, after a child reaches age 16, an order will only be made in exceptional circumstances. Parents of children who receive a conviction at court can be ordered to attend a course in parenting skills. If you have any queries contact your local CAB , youth worker or social worker. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Getting married and living together (See also health and relationships)

If you are between 16 and 18, those with parental responsibility must give their consent before you can marry. If a residence order is in force, the person in whose favour the order was made must give consent. If you are in care, the local authority must consent. If they refuse, you can apply to the County Court for permission, see a Solicitor or visit the Clerk's Office of the Court for details. For you to marry you must not already be married, be able to understand the ceremony and give your consent, and not be a close relative of the other person, e.g. you cannot marry your brother, sister, uncle or aunt, but you may marry a cousin.

In order to marry in a Registry Office, each of the couple must have lived in a registration district in England and Wales for at least seven days immediately before giving notice of marriage at the Registry Office. After giving both notices of marriage you must wait a further 15 clear days before the marriage can take place (for example if notices of marriage are given on 1 July the marriage may take place on or after 17th July). You are legally obliged to give one day's notice but since there is often a waiting list, it is best to check with your local registry office for the notice needed. You will have to produce your birth certificate. If you want to get married in accordance with a certain religious organisation, you should ask that organisation for details.

If you are under 18 and living with someone against your parents' will, it is possible for them to take legal action. Once you are over 18, you can live with whoever you want to. If you have any problems with your relationship you can contact Relate (see 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Forced Marriages

It is a criminal offence to force a person to marry against their will. If a person is afraid that she or he may be forced into a marriage in this country or while abroad the police should be contacted.

If a person who has been forced into a marriage abroad, someone in the United Kingdom who is concerned about what has happened should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to see if the consul in the country concerned can provide any help:

If you are adopted (See also health and relationships)

Once you are over 18, you can apply to the Registrar General and ask for a copy of your original birth certificate. The birth certificate will have on it the names of your natural parents, or parent. You can also ask the court which made the adoption order to let you see its records about your adoption. If you were adopted before 12 November 1975, you will have to see a Social Worker (which will be arranged by the Registrar General's Office) for counselling before you can obtain the information. If you were adopted after this date you may choose whether or not to see a social worker. They can arrange a counselling interview for you. It's a good idea to meet a counsellor who can help you in thinking about your adoption and making enquiries.

As a starting point and to get an application for access to birth records, contact:

If you are legally adopted, your natural parents have no legal rights over you at all. These belong to your adoptive parents.

Sex and the Law

The law in relation to sex is very strict. It is best to make sure before you do anything sexual that the person; consents, is old enough to consent, and is in a fit state to consent eg: they are not drunk. It is also an offence to have sexual activity with somebody with whom you are in a position of trust. In England, the law says a female must have reached the age of consent (16 yrs) before she can legally agree to have sex with someone. The age of consent for sexual intercourse between gay men is now 16.

• It is illegal for any male to have sex with a female before she is 16, even if she agrees. In law, a girl aged under 13 cannot agree to have sex and if an offence is committed against her it carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
• Males (over the age of 10) can be prosecuted for unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Sex between males is illegal for all men under 16; however, if both partners are 16 or over and they agree and they are in private, no offence is committed.
• Female homosexuality is not an offence, provided there is consent. however if under 16 it can be classed as an indecent assault., as a girl under 16 cannot legally consent to any sexual activity.

(See also health and relationships or 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Rape

Is against the law to have sex with a person against their will. It is a defence to a charge of rape that the person consented to sex. That person must be in a fit state to give consent e.g. if you have sex with someone who is drunk and not in a fit state you would have difficulty arguing they had consented. Any male aged 10 or over who has sex with another person without consent, male or female, may now be charged with rape. (This now includes oral and anal sex) The maximum adult penalty for rape is life imprisonment. Even if a man is married to a woman he can still be charged with rape in certain cases, if the wife did not consent. a woman can also be charged with rape in certain circumstances eg if she held the woman down while the man had non consenting sex with her.

See also health and relationships or 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Incest

Incest is sex between persons regarded as too closely related to marry each other. Both men and women can be prosecuted for incest.

Discrimination and the Law

There are many different areas where people suffer discrimination, but two major ones are the areas of race and sex:

Religious and Racial Discrimination

It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against you on the grounds of your race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin, religion or belief. If you have a complaint concerning discrimination in employment, try taking the matter up with your employer or trade union. You may also be able to take your case to an employment tribunal. If the case concerns something other than employment, you may need to go to court. Contacts are:

These can all give you advice if you feel you have been discriminated against or if you are suffering racial harassment

Sex Discrimination

This is where a person is treated less favourably because of their sex or circumstances eg. if you are married or have children.

If you have a complaint regarding employment, talk to your employer or trade union. You may be able to take your case to an employment tribunal . If your case isn't concerned with employment you will have to go to court. The CAB and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) or PERS will be able to help you in either case. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page).

Harassment

It is an offence to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress. If you are subjected to harassment or racial abuse or abuse because of your religion, contact the police or seek advice from a solicitor. As a confidential 24 hour alternative to reporting to the police, contact Stop Hate Crime 0800 138 1625.

Disability Discrimination

Alcohol and the law

(See also alcohol & health , or 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Private Premises
If you're between 5 and 16, you can drink alcohol on private premises under the care and control of an adult. It is illegal to give children under 5 alcohol except under doctor's orders

Licenced Premises
Generally, young people under the age of 14 are not allowed in the bar of licenced premises during licencing hours.

If you are under 18 you may not buy or attempt to buy intoxicating liquor (i.e. alcohol) on licenced premises, which includes pubs, off-licences, supermarkets etc. Also, someone aged 18 may not buy or attempt to buy intoxicating liquor on licenced premises for consumption by someone aged under 18. It is an offence for a person under 18 to buy alcohol on behalf of a person under 18 that is to be drunk outside of licensed premises eg. in the street.

Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Person's) Act 1997
Section one of the Act gives a police officer the right to remove alcohol from a person he/she suspects is under 18, if that young person is either in a public place or in a private place that the young person has unlawfully gained access to. The police officer also has the right to remove alcohol from someone who is aged 18 or over in such a place, if he/she suspects that the young person is likely to pass the alcohol onto someone aged under 18 to drink in that place, or if the alcohol has been drunk in such a place by someone in the young person's company who is under 18. The police officer has the power to remove anything which he/she believes to be alcohol, even if it is contained in an ëinnocuous container'.

Smoking

You can legally smoke in private at any age but shop keepers are not allowed to sell you tobacco when you're under 18 and they can be prosecuted for doing so. Those under 18 found smoking in public can have their tobacco and cigarette papers seized by a uniformed police officer or a park warden. Schools can have their own rules about smoking.

(See also smoking & health, or 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Illegal Drugs

Lots of drugs are controlled by law. It's illegal to use, possess or supply certain drugs, including ones that haven't been prescribed for you. Possession of cannabies is still a criminal offence. You may be committing a crime simply by having them in your house. The police can search anyone (and their vehicles) if they believe they have illegal drugs. This must be a reasonable belief, not one based on prejudice. Glue and other solvents are not illegal but a shopkeeper may be committing an offence by selling them to you, knowing how you may misuse them. For possession of some drugs you can receive long sentences.

(See also drugs & health or 'health and relationships' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Shopping and the law

If you have bought goods from a trader, they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality
• fit for their purpose
• as described

If you buy secondhand goods from a trader the same rules apply but you have to think about the age of the goods. Obviously the older they are, the more wear and tear you must expect. Try to keep any receipts in a safe place in case you need them at a later date.

When the goods don't meet any of these three golden rules:

• If you have used them a few times within a short period or haven't had a reasonable opportunity to check them, you are probably only entitled to a refund for a major fault, a number of minor faults or a serious misdescription.
• If the fault is only minor and can easily be put right, it is reasonable to accept a repair. This doesn't stop you claiming a refund if the repair turns out to be unsatisfactory. If you received the goods after 31 March 2003, you may be able to claim a replacement, unless this would be disproportiane to the cost of a repair. If you are willing to accept the goods in their damaged condition, you should be entitled to a reduction in price.
• If you have used them more than a few times or have had a reasonable opportunity to check them, you are probably only entitled to a repair, which should be carried out within a reasonable time period and should restore the goods to a satisfactory condition. If not, you are entitled to compensation. This could be a sum of money or the cost of having someone repair the goods for you.
• If the goods cannot be repaired you are entitled to a refund. The trader may make a reduction from the price you paid to allow for the use you have had from the goods.
• If the goods have damaged anything else or you may be out of pocket in any other way, you may be entitled to compensation over and above the price of the goods.
• Remember, if you are entitled to a refund, repair or compensation it is the trader who must sort out your problem. The trader may tell you to go back to the manufacturer but they have no legal obligation towards you.

For nearly all types of home shopping, if you shop for goods or services by telephone, mail order, fax, digital television or the internet, you now have new consumer rights to; clear information, a cooling off period of 7 days. You are entitled to a refund if the goods have not been delivered in 30 days, a protection for your credit cards against fraud.

If you feel that you have been unfairly treated, a Consumer Advisor or CAB will be able to help you. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

You and the police (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

On the Street

Most of the powers given to the police to stop people in the street and search them are contained in the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which sets out codes of practice for the police to follow. The codes of practice are available in police stations and public libraries for people to look at. The main points are as follows:

• If a police officer stops you in the street, you are entitled to know their name, station and why they have stopped you.
• The police have a general power to stop you, ask your name, address, where you have been and where you are going. You do not have to answer, but if you are not doing anything wrong it is probably in your best interests to reply. They can arrest you to ascertain your correct details but this must be reasonable and not based on prejudice.
• The police cannot search you unless they have arrested you or they have reasonable grounds to suspect they will find something which has been stolen or is illegal e.g. drugs, an offensive weapon, stolen credit card etc. If you are 17 or over you can volunteer to let the police search you. Under 17, an 'appropriate adult' such as a parent or guardian can volunteer to let you be searched and make sure you understand the situation. In some circumstances you can be searched without a reason (e.g. at a football match).
• If the police want to remove more than your outer clothing, this must be done out of public sight and by an officer of the same sex. No one of the opposite sex must be present. Intimate body searches (not the mouth) must be carried out in the presence of someone who is medically qualified and only following arrest.
• The police can search; you in a public place, anything you are carrying or a vehicle you are in or which is yours. They cannot search you in a flat, house or garden unless they believe you do not have permission to be there.

Police are allowed to search your house if;

• They have reason to believe that they might find someone who has committed an arrestable offence or to look for evidence in connection with this; or they have a warrant or permission from the court; or to catch an escaped prisoner or save life or prevent serious damage or some kind of disturbance; or if an officer of inspector rank has given permission.
• If you are searched, the police may,depending on the Force, make a written record of what they do, either at the time they do or soon after. You should ask for a copy of the search record. You should ask if a copy of the search record is available.

If you are taken to a police station

Going to the police station: You should be told whether you are being arrested or being asked to go voluntarily. If you are being arrested or detained, you must go. If you're asked to go voluntarily to help with enquiries you may refuse although it's usually in your best interests to go. If you attend a police station voluntarily you may leave at any time you wish, unless you are arrested.

Being held at the police station after arrest

In the police station you will come before a custody officer who is responsible for keeping you there, making sure you know your rights while you are being detained and deciding whether or not there is enough evidence to bring charges against you.

When you arrive at a police station you have the right:

• To have someone informed of your arrest but not to speak with them
• To receive independent legal advice, to talk privately with a solicitor and to look at a copy of the 1984 Police and Criminal Act Codes of Practice. These rights can be witheld but only in very exceptional circumstances.

Questioning after arrest

Before a police officer can ask you questions, he or she must say the words -' You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence'.

It is important to understand what this means and it is worth knowing that you are entitled to free legal advice. It is usually better to say that you will answer questions when you have received legal advice. This may mean that you will then be asked to go to the police station.

If you are under 17 years, a responsible adult eg. a parent, friend (18 or over) or social worker etc must be there when you are questioned. Notes should be taken of the interview or it will be tape recorded.

Solicitor/ Duty Solicitor

If you ask for legal representation, the Custody Officer will contact the solicitor for you. The solicitor must be available within 45 minutes. Advice from the Duty Solicitor is free, regardless of income but you may have to wait to see him/her. If you sign the custody sheet saying you don't want to see a solicitor, you can change your mind at any time. You will also be asked if you would like a friend or relative to be informed of your arrest. You have the right to have someone informed without delay unless you are being detained in connection with a serious arrestable offence, when access to a solicitor and relatives can be delayed in specific circumstances.

Charged or released

Unless you are suspected of a serious offence, you must be charged or released within 24 hours of detention and you have the right to consult a solicitor at any time. If a serious offence has been committed, you could be held up to 36 hours without access to a solicitor and without being charged. After 36 hours, you have a right to see a solicitor and a magistrate may order your continued detention in a police station for up to 96 hours with a series of reviews. If after 96 hours you have still not been charged, you have the right to be released. The right to see a solicitor can only be witheld as long as it could prejudice the investigation.

Bail

If you have been arrested and charged with an offence, you may be bailed by the police to appear at the Magistrates Court at a later date. Under certain conditions, the police may impose conditions on your bail such as a curfew. If you are kept in police custody, you must be brought before the next available Magistrates Court and then you may apply for bail. If you are given bail, this means that you must return to the court on a given date to answer the charges.

Magistrates may also impose conditions on your bail, such as a curfew or reporting to a police station. Breaching bail conditions could lead you to being held in prison until your case comes to trial.

Remand

If you don't get bail you will be held on remand. If you are under 17, you will usually be accommodated by the Local Authority which could mean being placed away from home. Remand can also be in prison. If you are 15-16, this is normally in a special remand centre in a Young Offenders Institute. If you are 12-14, it is normally in a secure facility. Remand can go on until the case has finished.

Cautioned

If you are caught by the police doing something which is not very serious and you have never been in trouble with the police before, you may receive a caution rather than being charged with an offence. However, do not rely on this as it is just a possibility. If you are under 18 then you would receive a reprimand or final warning in place of a caution. Generally a final warning means exactly that; any further offending would result in prosecution. However, this could depend on circumstances. If you are under 18 and two years have passed and you further offend, again, you may be give another final warning, although you cannot rely on this.

To receive a reprimand or final warning

To receive a reprimand or final warning:

The police must have strong evidence that you have committed an offence, you must admit that you have committed the offence and you must agree to one being given to you. Being given a reprimand or final warning does not give you a criminal record, although the fact that you have received one will be recorded by the police.

If you receive a final warning, then you will be assessed by the Youth Offending Team. You may be asked to make amends to the victim or to the community for your offence. Your participation is voluntary but any failure to co-operate would be brought to the attention of the court in any future prosecutions against you, as will the fact that you have had a reprimand/final warning.

Legal Help

The Legal Help Scheme helps people with a low income to get free legal advice and assistance from a solicitor or other organisation. The solicitor or other organisation has to have a contract with the Legal Services Commission to provide legal help under this scheme. Please note that the Scheme will not pay for being represented by a solicitor in court, apart from in certain serious circumstances, in which case help will be available no matter what your income is. For further information, contact:

In Court

If you are under 18 you will appear in a Youth Court, unless you are jointly accused of an offnece with an adult, in which case you will go to the magistrates court.

If you are under 18 and if it is the first time you have been prosecuted and you are pleading guilty, you may be given a referral order where a panel of people from your own community will decide how you should make amends for your offence. If you complete the order it will not be counted as a conviction against you. Provided you stay out of trouble, you will be able to tell an employer that you have no convictions. If you do not cooperate and you are re-sentenced, it will become a conviction that you must tell your employers about.

If you are 18 or over, your case will start off in a Magistrates Court. It may be heard fully here or you may be sent to the Crown Court for trial or sentencing. The court may ask for pre sentence reports to be made. A Social Worker or Probation Officer will talk to you and it may help your case if you help him/her as much as you can.

If You're the Victim

If you have been the victim of a crime of violence, you may be able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. Howevert, if you have a bad criminal record yourself, you may not be able to claim. For a form and further details contact:

In all areas there are Victim Support Groups which are there to help and support victims of crime. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

The CAB can tell you if there's one near you. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Complaints about the Police

If you think you haven't been treated properly - make a complaint through your solicitor, Law Centre (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page) or Racial Equality Council (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page). You can also complain to the duty inspector. Always try to stay calm. Try not to provoke the police or be provoked by them.

Being a witness

If a police officer thinks you have witnessed an offence, you may be asked for your name and address. You may be asked to make a written statement and you may have to appear in court to give your evidence. If you go to court, you will be asked to take an oath or affirm that you will only say what you believe to be true. If you are under 14, you will not be asked to give evidence on oath. You must answer all the questions which the court allows you to be asked.

Jury service

You can be called to serve on a jury at any time once you are over 18. You have to go unless you have a valid reason for not attending. You can claim for any earnings you lose through being on a jury. You do this at court. From 6th April 2005, it is classed as unfair dismissal if you are dismissed for taking time off for doing jury service, except in certain circumstances. Get advise!

Driving (See also getting on the road)

At 17 you can drive a car or ride a motorbike up to 125cc. Before you drive any motor vehicle on a road, you must have a full or provisional licence and comply with its conditions. The vehicle must be insured for you, must be road taxed and, if it is more than 3 years old, it must be MOT tested. If you receive Mobility Allowance you will be exempt from Road Tax. To apply for a licence, tax your vehicle or apply for driving tests, visit any main Post Office. When you are driving on public roads

You must:

• Stop if a uniformed police officer asks you.
• Stop if you are involved in an accident. You must report any accident that involves injury to any person or certain animals (e.g. dogs, horses, sheep, pigs, cattle, goats but not cats), or damage to any property or 'roadside furniture' eg a traffic sign, to the police as soon as possible, but in any case within 24 hours.
• Show your licence and give your date of birth, if asked by any police officer (all drivers).
• Any driver who may be involved in a traffic accident must show a police officer, if requested, their licence, insurance certificate, MOT certificate and give the name and address of the owner and driver of the vehicle . If you don't have licences etc. with you, you must take them to a police station within 7 days.
• Take a breathalyser test, if asked by a uniformed officer. Pushbikers may be asked to take a breathalyser test but can refuse.
• Never drink and drive, you are endangering other people's lives as well as your own.

Rights at work

Health & Safety Executive
(H.S.E.) Marshalls Mill,
Marshall Street,
Leeds, LS11 9YJ
Tel: 0113 2834200

www.hse.gov.uk

What follows is only a guide to your rights as an employee. If you are having problems get advice from your union or CAB (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

• Your employer should give you a written statement of the main terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of starting. If you don't get one ASK. You should also be notified of any subsequent changes.
• You should get a wage slip every time you are paid. It should show how your wages are made up. It is against the law for an employer to take money, other than tax and National Insurance, out of your wages unless you have agreed this in writing beforehand.
• You have the right to join a Trade Union. It would be unlawful for you to be sacked or made redundant for being a member of a Trade Union and you would have the right to seek compensation from an Employment Tribunal. You can go to your union about a problem at work.
• Health & Safety - Employers are bound by law to ensure your workplace is warm enough, well lit and safe. If you have to work with dangerous substances or machinery, there should be proper training and safety equipment (eg. steel-toed boots, goggles). If your work is making you ill in any way (eg. something irritating your skin, eyes or chest), or if you are injured at work fill in the accident book. If you are concerned about any aspect of health and safety at your place of work, contact your trade union or:
  
  

  Health & Safety Executive (H.S.E.) Marshalls Mill, Marshall Street, Leeds, LS11 9YJ Tel: 0113 2834200 www.hse.gov.uk

• If working, you might qualify for extra benefits
• The National Minimum Wage for most 16 and 17 year olds is £3.40. Apprentices under the age of 19 (or over 19 in the first year) may not get it. 18-21 year olds and some older trainees in their first 6 months get £4.60. The rate for most worker aged 22 and over is £5.52. Call the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678
• Nearly all workers have the right to at least 4.8 weeks paid holiday per year.
• Nearly all workers have the right to work a maximum 48 hour per week on average.
• Nearly all workers have the right to have daily and weekly rest breaks. There are special rules for night workers and young workers.
• If you are 16/17, you have the right to take time off during working hours to take up study or training which leads to relevant qualifications.
• If you are pregnant you have the right to paid time off for ante-natal care e.g. visiting a clinic. If your baby is due on or after 6th April 2003, you also have the right to paid maternity leave of 26 weeks and the right to return to work after this maternity leave and this applies from the day you start work.
  
  If you have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth and earn over £82.00 per week, you shoul receive Statutory Maternity Pay for the first 26 weeks and you will be entitled to a second 6 months unpaid maternity leave, if you want it. This applies from the day you start work. Most women who have worked for their employer for less time, or who earn less, will be able to claim Maternity Allowance from Jobcentreplus. If you are sacked for maternity reasons you will be able to claim unfair dismissal and sex discrimination. You may be able to negotiate a returnfrom maternity leave to part time working, take advice if your employer refuses. Partner will receive Paternity Leave and Statutory Paternity Pay if they have been employed for 26 weeks by the ned of the 15th week before the baby is due. Adoptive parents have similar rights. parents who have a year's service and a child under 5 (or a disabled child under 18) can take some unpaid parental leave. THose with a child under 6 (or a disabled child under 18) can apply for flexible working butif your employer does not agree, get advice as the rules are complicated..
  
  From the day you start work you also have the right to reasonable time off to look after dependents in an emergency, including birth and death. If you are sacked for maternity reasons you may be able to claim sex discrimination - get advice immediately, as you may be able to take your case to an Employment Tribunal.
• You have the right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of race, sex (see above) or disability
• If you have worked for an employer for at least one calendar month, you have the right to notice if dismissed, except in case of gross misconduct.
• If you have worked for your employer for one year or more you have the right to written reasons for dismissal. Women who are pregnant or on maternity leave are entitled to written reasons without having worked for any particular length of time.
• You can usually claim unfair dismissal only if you have discriminated against or been dismissed for asking for your legal rights. Employers now have to give you a letter saying what you have done wrong and hold a meeting, giving you a chance to defend yourself for dismissing you and let you appeal after. If you have been sacked or dismissed unfairly, get advice.
• If you are disciplined at work, you now have the right to be accompanied by a Trade Union representative or colleague.
• You have the right to claim statutory redundancy pay if you are made redundant. You will have had to have worked for the employer for two years since the age of 18. If you are sick and earn above £87 per week, you will be entitled to statutory sick pay of £72.55 per week (these wfigures will change in April 2008)
• If you have a problem with your employer that you might need to take to an Employment Tribunal you will be allowed to do so if you have tried to resolve it by raising a grievance with your first. Your contract may give you better terms than the legal minimum.
• You have the right not to suffer any hardship or dismissal for 'blowing the whistle' on a public concern at the workplace
• A person may also have additional rights which may be set out in his/ her contract.

Housing (See Housing and Homelessness)

The Children Act

The Act sets out certain rights for young people. The Local Authority, which may include the housing or social services departments, has a duty to provide services to young people under the age of 18 who are assessed as being 'in need'. You might be 'in need' because you are homeless or have a disability. The best thing to do is to ask your Social Services Department (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)for an assessment. You have a right to an assessment if you are under 18.

If you have left care, the Local Authority has a duty to offer advice, assistance and befriending up to the age of 21 and in some cases, older if the young person is in training or education. A new law, The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 has increased the local authority's duties to give more help and support to young people leaving care. Ask your local social services team for more information about this law. (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

You also have the right to complain under the Children Act, if you feel you have not been treated fairly.

Your local Social Services office or housing advice centre can provide further information (see 'housing' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

For further information contact:

All the above organisations, as well as your local Social Services Department (see 'you and your rights' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page), will have other leaflets and booklets to help you. Guides for children and young people about the Act, Local Authority duties and responsibilities and the courts are available by writing to:

Disabilities

Many people have an impairment of some kind which affects the way they live their lives. This could be physical, a learning disability, a mental health problem or sensory (sight or hearing). It is unlawful to discriminate against disabled persons in connection with their employment, provision of goods, facilities and services or in selling or renting land or property. Disabled people should also have the same opportunities as non disabled people to benefit, wherever possible, from education and training. If you are subject to unlawful discrimination connected with your employment, you may make an application to the Employment Tribunal, otherwise you may apply to court in order to obtain compensation or other remedies.There are many organisations which work with or give help to disabled people.

For information about these organisations you could contact the: