Wondering how much holiday you can take? Questions about parental leave? Or unsure the bereavement leave you’re entitled to? Our free advice is here to help.
This is the happiest time of your life, so don’t spend it worrying about whether your job’s safe or if your employer can squeeze you out of it.
Today, most employed mothers are entitled to a year off work – or statutory maternity leave. We’re here to talk you through who can get it, how much you get paid and what happens to your job.
Balancing work and family can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding your working rights. Whether you’re returning from maternity leave or need time off when your child is unwell, it can be confusing to know when and how to ask for support. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to working rights for parents, helping you navigate the complexities of work-life balance in 2024.
With the rise of temporary jobs, many professionals are embracing the flexibility and opportunities temp work offers. From controlling your schedule and learning new skills to gaining valuable experience and building a strong network, temping can be a smart career choice.
Despite UK employees being entitled to 28 days of annual leave, only one in three workers take their full allowance. With increased workloads, job insecurity, and a post-recession guilt culture, many feel pressured to stay at their desks.
Just like mums, new fathers are also entitled to time off work.
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard enough without having to battle to get the time off work, so it’s important to know what your rights are, or at least know where to turn to find out.
This short guide will equip you with everything you need to know.
In 1998, the Working Time Regulations came into force and with them the right to some basic entitlements such as time off and holiday pay.
Parents constitute the majority of the UK workforce. Despite the fact that two in three workers have children, parental leave has been oddly absent from the agenda. Until now.
Parental leave is designed to give parents time to care for a young child or a child with a disability or to make arrangements for their welfare.
We all feel a bit stressed from time-to-time. Whether you’re fed up with being sardined into place on the train during your morning commute or get annoyed with your computer, working can be stressful.
Everyone takes the odd sick day every now and again.
Whether you’ve been away on holiday or have just had a relaxing staycation, we all feel a bit blue after a break from it all as soon as the alarm clock goes off and you see the inevitable pile-up of things on your ‘To do’ list.
No wonder we get depressed, even if we usually enjoy our job. So we show you how to get over the holiday blues and back into gear.
All the tips you need for negotiating a salary increase or pay raise.
Banish those nerves about asking for more money!
If you’ve been caught stealing at work, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences and your rights as an employee. This guide covers what counts as theft, the process your employer must follow to dismiss you, and considerations for an employment tribunal if you claim unfair dismissal.
IR35 for dummies guide. Simple explanations for contractors covering:
Expert advice provided by Nigel Nordone, Head of Tax at Qdos Contractor. A former HMRC Inspector of Taxes, he specialises in IR35, tax investigations, status, PAYE, and employer compliance.
Updated for April 2024 IR35 reforms.
New Jobseeker’s Allowance claims:
Existing Jobseeker’s Allowance claims:
Free, confidential and independent advice on Jobseeker’s Allowance:
These helplines provide advice for people who live in England, Scotland and Wales.
Work-related stress can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, and it’s important to understand your rights if you find yourself struggling due to workplace pressures. This guide explores your work-related stress rights, your employer’s legal obligations, and the steps you can take if you’re forced to resign due to stress.
If you have worked continuously for an employer for at least two years and you’re being made redundant, you have the legal right to redundancy pay. You’re also eligible if you have a fixed-term contract of two years or more that expires and is not renewed because of redundancy.
For anyone else, although you’re not entitled to redundancy money, you are eligible for notice period money and any holiday pay you’re owed if you’re made redundant.
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, earn a wage, and develop skills while working towards a recognised qualification. Whether you’re finishing school or looking to switch careers, knowing when and how to apply for apprenticeships is crucial to securing a position.
Now and then, we all struggle with personal difficulties that affect us at work. But it’s important to seek help when we need it – and to offer help when we see others struggling.
When you have any kind of health problem, be it mental or physical, dealing with it at work can be difficult.
You might find it hard to raise the subject of your health, or become quiet if questioned or generally asked about it.
If you’re on a low income or having to claim benefits, you might be eligible for council tax reduction (CTR). And, depending on your circumstances, your council tax bill could be cut by up to 100%.
The guide provides you with step-by-step instructions for applying for council tax reduction.
Being long-term unemployed is hard enough but there is the double whammy of the stigma attached to the status too.
Some employers reject candidates outright who, through no fault of their own, haven’t worked for over a year. However there is a way back to work if you take the right approach according to our panel of experts.
How can you give the answer an employer is looking for unless you know the questions they’ll ask? By being prepared and taking in our experts’ advice on the 30 most common competency-based interview questions you’re likely to face. Read our guide, together with our How to handle competency-based interview questions tips, and double your chance of interview success.
With the UK’s largest CV database of over 25 million candidates and 12.8 million monthly visits, we can connect you to the talent your business needs.
2 free character reference email templates:
Customise the template for your personal circumstances by replacing the [placeholder text] that’s situated within square brackets.
Read this guide to discover:
Template options:
Free resignation email template for when you’re leaving your job straight away.
Customise the template for your personal circumstances by replacing the [placeholder text] that’s situated within square brackets.
The UK job market is evolving rapidly, and 2025 promises to be a critical year for both job seekers and employers. The Totaljobs Salary Trends Report 2025, which analysed 17.4 million job ads and surveyed 3,000 UK workers, reveals critical insights into salary expectations, benefits preferences, and industry trends. Whether you’re looking to hire top talent or explore new opportunities, staying ahead of these trends is essential.
If you’re applying for a new job, you might be concerned about whether your potential employer can check your sickness record. This guide covers everything you need to know about your rights, how sickness records can impact your employment prospects, and when job offers can be withdrawn due to your health history.
See also our How to ask for a reference guide.
If you’re on a fixed-term contract, understanding your rights after two years of service is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of temporary employment law, including your entitlements regarding notice periods, redundancy, and potential transition to a permanent contract.
Knowing how to answer the most common interview questions can be the difference between landing that job and missing out. From obvious questions such as ‘why do you want to work for us?’ to weird and wacky ones like ‘if you were an animal what would you be?’, having sharp, smart answers prepared will give you a head start. Luckily for you we’ve prepared expert tips and advice on how to answer 20 common questions asked at interviews.
Read this guide to discover:
All the tips you need to write a CV personal statement that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Contains 16 personal statement examples.
Read this guide to discover:
If you’re nearing the end of your career and need help writing a retirement letter, look no further.
Read this guide to discover:
If you’ve been unemployed long-term, this guide will help you to update your CV, and shows you how to explain gaps in your CV.
From calming your nerves to using the STAR technique, this guide will talk you through everything you need to know about nailing competency-based interview questions
Everything you need to know about replying to an interview offer.
30 minutes needed to read our step-by-step instructions and write your perfect interview invitation reply email.
Free interview invitation reply email templates. 15 minutes needed to pick a template and customise the text for your circumstances.
Comprehensive advice covers all known situations requiring an interview invitation reply email, including:
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
If you’ve received an email inviting you to take part in a video interview, congratulations! You’re certainly in with a good chance of landing the role, and it’s time to start preparing for the big interview. First though, you need to make sure you’re responding in a professional manner, so that you continue to make a good impression at every step.
If you’ve bagged a second interview for a job, it’s important to know how to respond to an interview invitation effectively. This guide walks you through it.
Over 10,000 companies are looking for new employees on Totaljobs – help them find you Upload CV
Everything you need to know about writing an interview follow-up email.
30 minutes needed to read our step-by-step instructions and write your perfect interview follow-up email.
Free interview follow-up email templates. 15 minutes needed to pick a template and customise the text for your circumstances.
Comprehensive advice covers all known situations requiring an interview follow-up email, including:
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
If you’ve had an interview for a job but you didn’t get it, knowing how to ask for feedback could make all the difference for next time.
You’ll find this template helpful if you’re trying to use an interview follow-up email to convince the employer to offer you the job.
Jobseekers often face the frustration of being ghosted by recruiters, a trend that persists in 2025. From communication gaps to changing hiring priorities, understanding the reasons behind this common issue can help candidates navigate the job search more effectively and improve their chances of securing a response.
AI tools are revolutionising everyday work in 2025, streamlining tasks, boosting productivity, and enhancing creativity. Discover six essential AI-powered tools that can simplify your workflow, improve decision-making, and help you stay ahead in the fast-paced modern workplace.
Boosting your productivity in 2025 is easier with habit stacking. By pairing new habits with established routines, you can create powerful combinations that enhance focus, efficiency, and long-term success. Discover how this simple yet effective strategy can transform your workday.
Navigating life as a refugee in the UK presents both opportunities and challenges in 2025. From accessing employment and education to overcoming legal and cultural hurdles, understanding the landscape can help refugees build a better future while contributing to the UK economy.
Mastering messaging etiquette is crucial for effective communication in 2025. Whether you’re using Teams, Slack, or other collaboration tools, knowing how to interact professionally, set boundaries, and stay efficient can enhance productivity and teamwork.
Automation and AI are transforming the job market in 2025, reshaping industries, creating new roles, and redefining skills. As technology evolves, understanding its impact on employment can help workers adapt and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Understanding salaries and salary trends is crucial for anyone who wants to be aware of their place in the job market and maximise their income potential. Whether you are a job seeker, a current employee pushing for promotion, or looking to switch careers, it’s important to know where you stand. Working out how high a salary should be – and why – is not always easy, however.
Managing stress is key to preventing burnout in today’s fast-paced work environment. In 2025, learn how to maintain balance through effective strategies that boost mental well-being, enhance productivity, and help you thrive at work.
A sabbatical year offers employees a break from their regular work to recharge, pursue personal interests, or develop new skills. In 2025, understanding how a sabbatical works and its potential benefits can help you decide if it’s the right move for your career and well-being.
Embracing neurodiversity in tech companies brings significant advantages, from fostering innovation to improving problem-solving. By valuing diverse cognitive perspectives, businesses can create more inclusive work environments and unlock the full potential of their teams.
Remote work continues to reshape the salary landscape in the UK. With more employers offering flexible work options, salary trends are evolving, from regional pay differences to compensation based on skills rather than location. Understanding how remote work influences pay can help jobseekers and employees navigate the changing employment market.
Diversity and inclusion play a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture in 2025. By fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and heard, organisations can drive innovation, boost employee morale, and create a more collaborative and productive workforce.
Could happiness be the key to achieving career and business success in 2025? Research suggests that contentment boosts productivity, creativity, and resilience. Discover how fostering happiness in your professional life can lead to greater achievement and fulfilment.
Finding an inclusive employer is crucial for LGBTQIA+ jobseekers. In 2025, learn how to identify companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion, offer supportive policies, and create a safe, welcoming environment for all employees.
Your phone pings, telling you an email has arrived from the hiring manager for that job you’ve been praying to land. After months of applications and interviews, countless CV rewrites, and a dozen rejections, all you can think is: “This is the one, please let this be the one.” You open up the email with your heart racing…
Negotiating your salary can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can secure the pay you deserve. Here are four essential tips to help employees confidently navigate salary negotiations and achieve better compensation in 2025.
In a competitive world, creativity is a powerful tool to help you stand out. Whether it’s through problem-solving, innovative thinking, or unique approaches, harnessing your creativity can set you apart and open doors to new opportunities in 2025.
The nature of online recruitment means candidates fire off their CV for numerous roles – often without checking it beforehand.
Employers see hundreds, if not thousands, of CVs every week. Yet with so much competition for jobs there are still plenty of people making silly mistakes on their CVs.
Remember, you’ve only got one chance to make a first impression.
Here are three of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make on their CVs, and some ways for you to avoid making the same.
Do you sometimes have the feeling that everyone in your team is more competent than you? That you just happened to slide into this position and don’t really have a clue what you’re doing on the job? Then you are most likely dealing with the so-called imposter syndrome, which is especially widespread in Generation Z and among millennials. Find out what the syndrome is all about and how you can best deal with it here.
Changing industries can open up new career opportunities and personal growth. In 2025, with evolving job markets and emerging fields, making a bold shift could lead to greater job satisfaction, skill development, and long-term success.
Free career advice from experts to help you choose the right career, develop your skills, and advance your career. Get help with everything from handing in your notice to negotiating a pay raise.
Free, independent advice on issues like:
Are you wondering:
Browse over 200 job description examples. Each job profile tells you:
Writing a CV can be tricky – it’s hard to know what makes a good CV and how to sell yourself best. Using our free, expert advice will make your CV stand out.
Big job interview coming up? You may be asking yourself ‘What to say in an interview?’ or ‘How to do well in an interview?’ Follow our interview tips and techniques and you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing the job.
A third of our lives is spent at work. From improving your workplace wellbeing to building colleague relationships, explore practical advice to get the best of working life.
Searching for your nearest job centre can be a difficult and time consuming task, so we've done all the hard work for you. Find the address and phone number for your local Jobcentre Plus in our extensive job centre listings.
Sales or social care? Start-up or corporation? Public or private sector? Finding your ideal work is as much about sector as it is job title. Find your fit:
Career advice for young adults, helping you choose the right career path, develop your skills, and land the right job.
Everything you need to know about getting ready for your video interview.
Contains 100+ video interview tips – this is the most comprehensive online guide to video interviews!
These step-by-step instructions will help you overcome the difficulties, uncertainties and stresses brought about by video interviews.
Our up-to-date, trustworthy and expert advice covers:
Advice is relevant for video conference interviews and one-way video interviews.
Call upon this guide in the days leading up to your interview and as a last-minute...
You’re in the right place if you’re wondering…
This guide covers all topics in detail.
You’ll be having either a ‘video conference interview’ (what Cammio calls a ‘live interview’) or a one-way video interview (what Cammio calls an ‘automated interview’). If you don’t know what happens in these types of video interviews, read our “What is a video interview” guide.
You’ll be having what’s called a ‘video conference interview’. If you don’t know what one of those is, read the “What happens in a video conference interview?” section of our “What is a video interview” guide.
You’ll be having what’s called a ‘video conference interview’. If you don’t know what one of those is, read the “What happens in a video conference interview?” section of our “What is a video interview” guide.
You’ll be having what’s called a ‘video conference interview’. If you don’t know what one of those is, read the “What happens in a video conference interview?” section of our “What is a video interview” guide.
6 ways to find out what skills are needed for a specific job.
Build a “job skills list” to use when preparing your job application or planning your career.
This guide is for you if you’re wondering…
Discovering your skills is a crucial step towards advancing your career. Our article offers 11 practical exercises suitable for everyone, regardless of experience level. These skills discovery exercises, varying in difficulty and time commitment, come with step-by-step instructions to ease the process. Build your personalised skills list to supercharge your job application skills and career planning. If you’ve ever pondered “What are my skills?” or “What abilities do I possess?”, this guide is tailored just for you.
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