The national minimum wage is the lowest pay per hour that an adult (over 18) can be paid. Any employer paying lower than the legal minimum wage is breaking the law.
Outsourcing occurs when a business reduces its own staff numbers and instead pays outside firms to do specialist work.
Downsizing means reducing employee numbers to reduce costs.
E-working refers to working from home for at least part of the week and using the Internet to communicate with colleagues.
Transferable skills are useful skills that you can take with you from one job to another.
Key Concepts 1. Explain four reasons why people work.
2. Describe the difference between: (a) employment (b) self-employment (c) voluntary work (d) unemployment
3. (a) What are the benefits of doing voluntary work? Name at least three. (b) List three types of voluntary work that people might do.
4. Describe five types of organisations that can employ people. 5. What are the legal responsibilities of an employee to his or her employer? 6. Describe the legal responsibilities of employers to their employees.
Critical Thinking Skills
1. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed. 2. Explain why being unemployed is not good for an individual. 3. Explain the reasons why some jobs pay more money than others. 4. Briefly outline five trends that are affecting the world of work.
