Moved to the UK · 8 minute read
Your rights at work, renting rights and scams that target newcomers
Your rights at work and as a tenant do not depend on your nationality or your visa. Knowing them is the difference between a bad week and a bad year.
Checked 30/09/2026
What are my rights at work?
Every worker in the UK is entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks and an itemised payslip — whatever their nationality or immigration status. Cash-in-hand pay below the minimum wage is illegal, and so is charging you fees to give you work. If you are underpaid, you can report it to HMRC confidentially, and Acas gives free advice in many languages.
Can a landlord refuse me because of where I am from?
No. Refusing to rent to someone because of their race, nationality or ethnic origin is unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Landlords in England must carry out right-to-rent checks, but they must check every prospective tenant the same way — checking only people who 'look foreign' is discrimination. Shelter and Citizens Advice can help you challenge it.
What scams target people new to the UK?
The common ones: fake Home Office calls demanding payment to 'fix' your visa (the Home Office never demands payment by phone or gift card), fake landlords taking deposits for flats that do not exist, unregulated 'immigration advisers' charging for forms that are free, and job offers that ask you to pay for training or a visa upfront. If someone pressures you to pay quickly and secretly, stop and check.
How do I check if advice or a job offer is real?
Immigration advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority — check the register free before paying anyone. For jobs, legitimate employers never charge you to start work. For rented homes, never pay before viewing in person, and confirm the deposit will go into a protection scheme. Report scams to Action Fraud.
Where do I get free help?
Citizens Advice covers work, housing, benefits and consumer problems. Acas covers workplace disputes. Shelter covers housing. Migrant Help and the Refugee Council support asylum seekers and refugees. All are free, and none of them report you to the Home Office for asking for advice.
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