
<p>There may come a time where you have a valid reason to miss work at short notice. In an ideal world, you’ll stick to work policies and give plenty of notice. But this isn’t always possible. Sometimes things crop up at the last minute. So, today we’re going through all the reasonable excuses to miss work. </p>



<h2>Acceptable excuses to miss work at short notice</h2>



<h3>Sickness</h3>



<p>Falling sick is a reasonable excuse not to go to work. Especially if that sickness is contagious. Where possible, you should try to work from home if you feel well enough. But if you just need to stay in bed, take the rest you need. Most managers will be understanding towards sickness. But in some cases, they may request a doctor’s note if you’re off for a ‘long’ time. Check your company’s sickness policy to see when a doctor’s note may be required.</p>



<p>If you’re on your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-pass-your-probation-period-at-work/?id=1275">probation period</a></strong>, try not to take a sick day unless absolutely necessary. If you call in sick too often during probation, your boss may extend your probation or dismiss you for poor attendance.</p>



<h3>Childcare</h3>



<p>Being a parent comes with its own responsibilities. If your child is sick or you can’t arrange childcare, you may need to take the day off work. Most employers will be understanding of this on the odd occasion. But if it happens very often, they may take disciplinary action.</p>



<h3>Death of a loved one</h3>



<p>Death is a valid reason to miss work. You may need time to grieve or attend a funeral. This is usually called compassionate leave. This is where the employer gives you a certain number of days to grieve the loss of your loved one. This will vary from company to company. So check your employee handbook for the details.</p>



<h3>Emergency</h3>



<p>Emergencies are always a valid reason to miss work. And there are many scenarios that could be classed as an emergency. This could be due to a gas leak, car accident or someone having a medical emergency. The point is, these are times where it’s more important for you to be elsewhere or your safety is at risk. Employers should be understanding of any emergencies and grant you the time you need.</p>



<h3>Extreme weather</h3>



<p>Extreme weather and road closures are an acceptable excuse to miss work. Snow and flooding can make it dangerous to travel. In these cases, your employer should encourage you to stay safe. Equally, sometimes road closures make it very difficult to get to work. You may have the option to work from home. But if this isn’t possible, you may need to take the day off.</p>



<h2>How to tell your boss you’re not coming in to work</h2>



<p>No matter what your reason for not attending work, there’s a right way to let your boss know.</p>



<h3>Pick up the phone</h3>



<p>Always pick up the phone to tell your boss you’re not going to make it in. This is the most courteous thing to do. Employers are sceptical of receiving texts or emails about absence. It creates more transparency and trust when you explain your absence over the phone.</p>



<h3>Apologise</h3>



<p>Always offer an apology for any inconvenience caused by the short-notice. Although your manager should be understanding, an apology goes a long way.</p>



<h3>Be helpful</h3>



<p>Don’t just leave your manager high and dry. Think about what your absence means to the rest of the team. Think of anything important that needs handing over to another team member. This will help the team to run smoothly even while you’re off.</p>



<h3>Give a timeframe</h3>



<p>Tell your boss when you expect to return to work. Avoid giving an exact date unless you’re 100% sure you’ll be back then.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Everything within reason</h2>



<p>Taking time off work at short-notice is okay. But just remember to do it the right way. If your employer feels you’re abusing your leave, they can take disciplinary action. So keep your time off to a minimum and always be transparent about your reasons.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to take the next step in your career? Use </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> to find a job you love.</em></p>



<p><strong>Related articles</strong></p>



<p>What is sabbatical leave?</p>


When is it okay to miss work at short notice?


<p>If you’re looking for a job in the UK, you’ll probably have heard the term ‘national insurance number.’ It’s important to understand what this is and how to get one (if you don’t already have one). It’s an important part of working life in the UK.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>What is a national insurance number?</h2>



<p>A national insurance number is a unique number made up of 9 characters (6 letters and 3 numbers). It’s used to make sure you pay the correct amount of tax and national insurance contributions when you start working. Whether you’re an employee or <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/is-being-self-employed-a-good-idea/?id=936">self-employed</a></strong>, you’ll need to pay national insurance contributions. You keep one national insurance number for your entire life. But you should note that a national insurance number isn’t a form of ID.</p>



<h2>Who can apply for a national insurance number?</h2>



<p>To apply for a national insurance number, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old or over. You also need to live in the UK and have the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>right to work</strong></a> in the UK. If you’re unemployed, you can still apply for an NI number.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Do you need an NI number to get a job?</h2>



<p>No, you can still get a job without a national insurance number. But once you get a job, you’ll need to apply for an NI number. In the meantime, your employer will give you a temporary NI number until your permanent one comes through.</p>



<h2>How to apply for a national insurance number</h2>



<h3>UK residents</h3>



<p>If you’re a UK resident, you’ll automatically receive a national insurance number when you turn 16.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>New to the UK</h3>



<p>Although it’s not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number, life sure will be easier with one. You can apply via the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number/how-to-apply" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>government website</strong></a>. Applications are usually processed within 8 weeks. To apply, you’ll need one of the following:</p>



<ul><li>A passport</li><li>A biometric residence permit (BRP)</li><li>A national identity card from an EU country or from Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland</li></ul>



<h2>Should you take your NI number to an interview?</h2>



<p>It’s not a legal requirement for you to have an NI number. But if you do have one, it’s a good idea to take it to your interview. If your employer wants to offer you the job on the spot, having your NI number handy can speed up the process.</p>



<h2>Should you write your NI number on your CV?</h2>



<p>It’s not common practice to include your NI number on <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438"><strong>your CV</strong></a>. Your employer will usually ask you for your NI number once you’re hired.</p>



<h2>Get organised</h2>



<p>As we mentioned before, it’s not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number. But the majority of the UK does have an NI number. It makes life much simpler. But don’t worry &#8211; if you don’t have an NI number yet, you can still apply for jobs!</p>



<p><em>Ready to find a new job? Browse over half a million jobs today on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app.</em></p>



<p><strong>Check out our other blogs:</strong></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-a-p45/?id=940">What is a p45</a>?</strong></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter/?id=1129">How to write a resignation letter</a></strong></p>


What is a national insurance number?


<p>Sabbatical leave. You’ll have heard of annual leave (everyone’s favourite). You’ll know about maternity and sick leave. But what is sabbatical leave? This term doesn’t get thrown around too often. But if you ask us, it’s certainly worth knowing about!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today we’re answering your FAQs about sabbatical leave in the UK:</p>



<ul><li>What is sabbatical leave?</li><li>Why take a sabbatical?</li><li>Who is entitled to sabbatical leave?</li><li>Is sabbatical leave paid in the UK?</li><li>Sabbatical leave Vs career break</li><li>Can you work for someone else while on a sabbatical?</li><li>How to request sabbatical leave</li></ul>



<h2>What is the meaning of sabbatical leave?</h2>



<p>Sabbatical leave is an agreed period of time you’re allowed to ‘take off’ from work while remaining employed. Sabbatical leave is longer than your annual leave allowance. It can range anywhere from 1 month to 5 years. At the end of this period, you can continue working in your same job as you stay employed by your company.</p>



<h2>Why take a sabbatical?</h2>



<p>Employees take sabbaticals for different reasons. It could be for personal respite, academic learning or pursuing passions. Maybe they want to go volunteering. Or perhaps they want time to study for a new qualification. Or maybe they just want to spend more time doing the things they enjoy.</p>



<h2>Who is entitled to sabbatical leave?</h2>



<p>Not every company offers sabbatical leave. It depends entirely on your company and its policies. If your company does offer sabbatical leave, your length of service can influence how much time you’re allowed to take off. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve been with a company, the longer you can stay on sabbatical leave for.</p>



<h2>Is sabbatical leave paid in the UK?</h2>



<p>In the UK, sabbatical leave is generally unpaid. But you may get lucky and find a company that offers paid sabbatical leave. If that’s the case, they’ll usually pay you a percentage of your normal salary. But chances are your company will only offer unpaid sabbaticals, if any at all.</p>



<h2>Sabbatical leave vs career break</h2>



<p>So what’s the difference between sabbatical leave and career breaks? A career break is generally when you’ve quit your job to pursue other projects. Many companies don’t offer sabbatical leave. So that’s when some employees may choose to go on a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-have-a-break-between-jobs/?id=946"><strong>career break</strong></a> before finding a new job. At the end of their career break, they’ll need to find a new job. But on a sabbatical, your old job will still be waiting for you at the end of your break.</p>



<h2>Can you work for someone else while on a sabbatical?</h2>



<p>Most companies will forbid you from working for anyone else while on a sabbatical. That’s because you’re still technically employed by your company. So you’ll need to make sure you have your finances in check to support you during this time. If you decide to work during your sabbatical, you may lose your old job if the company finds out.</p>



<h2>How to request sabbatical leave</h2>



<p>Sabbatical leave isn’t the sort of thing you can request a couple of weeks in advance. You need to make it formal, like <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter/?id=1129"><strong>writing a notice letter</strong></a>. You’ll usually need to request leave several months in advance. The more time you can give your employer, the better. This is because they’ll need time to consider your request and arrange a replacement. You may need to negotiate and compromise with your employer if they can’t meet your request.</p>



<p>When you’re ready to submit your request, it’s best to do this in writing to your manager.</p>



<h2>All work and no play?</h2>



<p>Sabbaticals can be a great option for many people. Got a bit of money in the bank? If your employer is willing to play ball, why not take a little time out?! This gives you time to explore other passions and learn new skills. Once you return to work, you’ll be feeling totally renewed and can (hopefully) <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-enjoy-your-job-sonicjobs/?id=817"><strong>enjoy your job</strong></a> so much more!<br></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for your next career move? Download the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em><strong>SonicJobs</strong></em></a><em> app to browse over half a million jobs!</em></p>


A complete guide to sabbatical leave in the UK


<p>With so many changes taking place in the world, you may be wondering what’s happening with minimum wage in the UK. It’s important to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877"><strong>know if you’re being paid enough</strong></a>. But your minimum wage depends on different things like your age and whether you’re an apprentice. For example, minimum wage for 18 year olds is different to minimum wage for 16 year olds.</p>



<p>So let’s find out what the minimum wage is for you in 2022.</p>



<h2>What is national minimum wage?</h2>



<p>The national minimum wage is a payment tariff set by the government. It ensures that all UK employers pay their employees a minimum amount per hour. If employers pay less than the minimum wage, it’s a criminal offence.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage Vs national living wage</h2>



<p>National minimum wage (NMW) is the base rate per hour that all employees are entitled to. In 2016, the national living wage (NLW) was created. It’s set at a higher rate but only workers aged 23 or over are entitled to national living wage.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage rates 2022</h2>



<p><strong>Age 16-17:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 18-20:</strong> £6.83 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 21-22:</strong> £9.18 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 23+ (NLW):</strong> £9.50 per hour</p>



<h2>Minimum wage for apprentices 2022</h2>



<p>Minimum wage works differently for <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fVCz7fZ-7cxtb2GOKuNa7lE1iOI14CErqZpib0Kolp4/edit#"><strong>apprentices</strong></a>. Your age also affects your minimum wage entitlement when you’re an apprentice.</p>



<p><strong>Age 16-18:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and in your first year off apprenticeship: </strong>£4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and completed your first year of apprenticeship:</strong> full national minimum wage for your age</p>



<h2>Who is entitled to minimum wage?</h2>



<p>All workers of school leaving age are entitled to minimum wage. It doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time or part-time employee. This includes:</p>



<ul><li>Part-time workers</li><li>Disabled workers</li><li>International workers</li><li>Labourers</li><li>Apprentices (see apprentice rates above)</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>Remote workers</li><li>Offshore workers</li><li>Temporary workers</li></ul>



<h2>How often does minimum wage increase?</h2>



<p>Minimum wage increases every year. The government announces new rates for minimum wage. This increase takes effect from April every year.</p>



<h2>Should your wage increase each year?</h2>



<p>You should only expect your wage to increase every year if you earn minimum wage. If you’re earning more than minimum wage, your employer decides whether or not to increase your wage. They don’t have to do this, but many employers do increase wages by <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090415/salary-secrets-what-considered-big-raise.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>3%</strong></a> each year.</p>



<h2>How to gain a pay rise</h2>



<p>Although pay rises<strong> </strong>should take place to keep up with inflation, this still doesn’t guarantee you an increase. It’s completely your employer’s decision. So you should always be looking for ways to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>earn your pay rise</strong></a>.</p>



<ul><li>Take on new responsibilities</li><li>Upskill with courses, qualifications and training</li><li>Make note of any targets you exceed</li><li>Discuss what you need to do to earn a pay rise with your line manager</li><li>Start managing people</li><li>Work on more complex projects</li><li>Always be punctual</li><li>Contribute useful ideas that enhance the company performance</li><li>Use your annual performance review</li></ul>



<h2>Plan ahead</h2>



<p>It’s always good to know exactly what wage you’re entitled to before applying for a job. This will help you to manage your finances and cover your living costs. But if your job isn’t paying you enough to cover your costs, you should look at finding another job that pays more.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To plan your next career move, download the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app and get applying from your phone!</em></p>


What is minimum wage in the UK?


<p><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-deal-with-job-interview-rejection/?id=450">Dealing with interview rejection</a></strong> is one part of the job search process. But what about the other side of the coin? Have you thought about the best way to <em>accept</em> a job offer? Yes, that’s right. There’s a knack to accepting a job offer. Just because you receive an offer doesn’t mean you should accept it right away. </p>



<p>There are a few pit stops to make before sealing the deal!</p>



<h2>4 things you must do before accepting a job offer</h2>



<h3>Don’t be hasty</h3>



<p>Don’t feel pressured to accept the job offer on the spot, especially if you’re not 100% sure about the role. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask for a day or two to consider the offer. Just be sure to show lots of enthusiasm and thank the employer for the offer at the same time!</p>



<h3>Check in with your other applications</h3>



<p>Chances are you’ve been attending several <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-different-stages-of-interviews-are-there-sonicjobs/?id=718">job interviews</a></strong> at the same time. Don’t feel you need to accept this job offer because it’s the first one. If there’s another job you’re more interested in, call the employer. Tell them you’ve had an offer elsewhere, but you wanted to see if they were interested in hiring you before you accept the offer. This may prompt them to make you an offer. Sometimes employers just need a little nudge!</p>



<h3>Understand the salary/package</h3>



<p>Be sure to understand the salary, package and any bonus schemes before accepting the job offer. Although money shouldn’t drive your decision, it’s still an important part of accepting a job offer. Ideally, you’ll have already <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-about-salary-expectations/?id=460">asked about salary during your interview</a></strong>. If the salary isn’t what you expected, you may have to negotiate. But always <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877"><strong>check your salary</strong> </a>to make sure it’s competitive first.</p>



<h3>Resolve any outstanding questions</h3>



<p>Finally, make sure you resolve any major outstanding questions. It’s important to feel sound in your decision to accept a job offer. So be sure to pop the hiring manager an email or phone call to clarify your queries.</p>



<h2>How to accept a job offer</h2>



<p>Once you’ve made the decision to accept a job offer, it’s time to let the hiring manager know!</p>



<h3>Verbal acceptance</h3>



<p>You can accept a job offer verbally over the phone. This is most common when you receive a job offer over the phone. A verbal job offer is usually followed by a written job offer to make the offer more official. So you’ll usually have to follow this step with a written acceptance letter.</p>



<h3>In writing</h3>



<p>Whether you received your job offer verbally, by post or by email, you can accept the offer via email. Be sure to send the acceptance letter directly to the hiring manager.</p>



<h4>Example job acceptance email</h4>



<p><em>Dear <strong>[Name]</strong>,</em></p>



<p><em>Thank you for extending a job offer to me for the position of <strong>[job title]</strong>. It is with great pleasure that I will be accepting your offer.</em></p>



<p><em>To confirm, my starting salary will be <strong>[£amount]</strong> and my package includes<strong> [X]</strong> days of annual leave and private healthcare.</em></p>



<p><em>I am very much looking forward to joining the team and getting started on <strong>[DATE]</strong>.</em></p>



<p><em>Please let me know the next steps and what documentation you will need to see.</em></p>



<p><em>Kindest regards,</em></p>



<p><strong><em>[Your Name]</em></strong></p>



<h2>Onto higher peaks</h2>



<p>Getting a job offer is a fantastic feeling. It means someone is recognising you for your skill and potential. They know your worth. Just make sure the job offer also meets your expectations before sending through your acceptance!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Ready to climb the ladder? <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.sonicjobs.com" target="_blank">SonicJo</a><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.sonicjobs.com" target="_blank">bs</a> lets you apply for jobs with one tap &#8211; making a career move has never been so easy!</em></strong></p>


How to accept a job offer


<p>When <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-long-to-stay-in-a-job/?id=442"><strong>leaving a company</strong></a>, you’ll usually have to give a formal notice period. This is standard practice in most jobs. It gives the employer time to find a replacement or reallocate your workload. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing everything about notice periods. By the end of this post, you&#8217;ll be confident to hand yours in!</p>



<p>Most notice periods for full-time permanent employees tend to be <strong>1 month.</strong> But this can be shorter or longer depending on a few things. Seniority and length of employment can influence your notice period. Lower level roles tend to be less time. But the notice period for senior level roles can last several months.</p>



<p>Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s blog:</p>



<ul><li>What is a notice period?</li><li>When to hand in your notice</li><li>What happens if you don’t work your notice period?</li><li>The 3 parts to a resignation letter</li></ul>



<h2>What is a notice period?</h2>



<p>A notice period is the length of time you need to continue working once you’ve told your employer you’ll be leaving. The length of this period will be written in your contract. It can be influenced by the amount of time you’ve worked for that company. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve worked at a company, the longer your notice period can be.</p>



<h2>When to hand in your notice</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s best to give notice once you’ve received a formal employment offer in writing and agreed a start date. Ideally, you’ll have signed your contract first but this isn’t always possible. Avoid handing in your notice when you&#8217;re still in the interview process. And wait until you&#8217;ve finished <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-about-salary-expectations/?id=460"><strong>negotiating your salary.</strong></a> Otherwise you could end up jobless if your new job falls through.</p>



<p>You may want a little <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-have-a-break-between-jobs/?id=946"><strong>break between jobs</strong></a>. If that’s the case, you can hand in your notice whenever it suits you. But just make sure you have the finances to cushion you in case your job search takes a longer time.</p>



<h2>What happens if you don’t work your notice period?</h2>



<p>If you don’t work your notice period, you’re breaching your employment contract. As a result, your employer doesn’t have to pay you for the part of your notice period that you didn’t work. This may also hinder your chance of receiving a reference from your employer. So it’s best to work your notice period where possible and leave on good terms.</p>



<h2>The 3 parts to a resignation letter</h2>



<p>Your notice of resignation can be short and sweet. You should hand this over in-person as a hard copy, as well as over email. It’s a good idea to keep it factual, professional and polite. You can divide your notice into 3 parts:</p>



<h3>Part 1: The facts</h3>



<p>Let your employer know you’re writing to give formal notice, the position you’ve held, the length of your notice period and your end date.</p>



<p><em>Please accept this letter as formal notice that I, [John Smith], will be resigning from my position of [salesman]. In line with my contract, I am providing [1 month’s] notice and will therefore remain in my position until [25th January 2022].</em></p>



<h3>Part 2: The plan</h3>



<p>Include a couple of sentences to state your intent for your notice period.</p>



<p><em><em>During my notice period, I will be happy to continue performing my role to the best of my ability and will assist with any training requirements.</em></em></p>



<h3>Part 3: The thanks</h3>



<p>Finally, you want to end the letter on a positive note. So round the letter off with some sincere words of thanks.</p>



<p><em>I have enjoyed my role over the past [8 years] and the team will be sorely missed. Thank you for understanding my reasons for leaving to pursue a new challenge. I wish you all the best of luck for the future success of the company.</em></p>



<h2>Leave on good terms</h2>



<p>The most important thing to remember when giving your notice is to leave on the best possible terms. No matter what your <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/top-reasons-for-leaving-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=526"><strong>reasons for leaving</strong></a> are, it’s never good to burn bridges. So keep it professional and give the required amount of notice. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a fresh start? </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> have over half a million live jobs across the UK. Browse our app to get searching!</em></p>


How long is a notice period?


<p>Most people have come across the term P45&#8230; but not everyone knows what it means. You get the gist that it’s something important, but you’re not exactly sure what purpose it serves.</p>



<p>Fear not, today we’re telling you everything you need to know about your P45.</p>



<p>A P45 is a document issued to you by your employer when you leave your job, whether you were<strong> </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-hours-is-a-full-time-job-sonicjobs/?id=923"><strong>full-time</strong></a> or <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/whats-the-difference-between-part-time-and-contract-work-sonicjobs/?id=568"><strong>part-time</strong></a>. It includes information relating to your salary, and how much you’ve paid in taxes over the past financial year.</p>



<p>In this blog, we’ll also cover:</p>



<ul><li>When do you get a P45?</li><li>Why is it important?</li><li>What’s in a P45?</li><li>How long is it valid for?</li><li>Can you start a job without it?</li><li>How do you get off emergency tax?</li><li>What other paperwork will you need for a new job?</li></ul>



<h2>When do you get a P45?</h2>



<p>Your P45 will be sent to you by email or by post when you leave a job. Your employer has to issue your P45 immediately once your final pay and tax deductions have been calculated. You shouldn’t need to request your P45. Instead, your employer should send it to you immediately.</p>



<h2>Why is it important?</h2>



<p>A P45 is important because it contains your tax code, and tells your employer how much you should be getting taxed.. Without the P45, you may end up being put on emergency tax and paying more tax than you should be.</p>



<h2>What’s in a P45?</h2>



<p>A P45 is made up of 4 sections: Part 1, Part 1A, Part 2 and Part 3. Your employer will send Part 1 to HMRC. You keep Part 1A for your own records. And you give Parts 2 and 3 to your new employer.</p>



<h2>How long is it valid for?</h2>



<p>Your P45 is only valid for the tax year it was created in. But don’t be so quick to throw it out. It’s best to keep it in your records for at least 22 months after the tax year has ended as HMRC are still able to refer back to it.</p>



<h2>Can you start a job without it?</h2>



<p>Yes, you can absolutely start a job without your P45. However, without a P45, your employer may ask you to fill out a ‘starter checklist’ and you could end up on an emergency tax code if your new employer doesn’t have the required information. Unfortunately, if you’ve lost your P45, you aren’t able to get a replacement.</p>



<p>If you’re on emergency tax, you’ll notice one of these codes on your payslip:</p>



<ul><li>1257 W1</li><li>1257 M1</li><li>1257 X</li></ul>



<h2>How do you get off emergency tax?</h2>



<p>If you’re put onto an emergency tax code, you’ll stay on it until the end of the tax year. At that point, you may be owed a tax rebate. If you think you’ve overpaid on tax, be sure to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/claim-tax-refund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>claim it back!</strong></a></p>



<h2>What other paperwork will you need for a new job?</h2>



<p>Your P45 isn’t the only bit of paperwork you’ll need. Your employer will need to carry out identity checks and your right to work in the UK. Depending on your status, you may need to present your ID (usually either a driving license or passport), proof of address (utility bill, bank statement etc), your bank details, your national insurance number or other <a href="https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>proof of your right to work</strong></a>. </p>



<h2>New job on the horizon?</h2>



<p>Are you feeling called to take the next step in your career? Well, <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> is here to help. With over half a million live vacancies across the UK, we’re helping job seekers across hospitality, logistics, warehousing, IT, retail and more find their calling. </p>



<p>And the best part?&nbsp;</p>



<p>You can find your next role from your phone.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Browse our <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">app</a> to find a job near you today!</strong></p>


What is a P45?


<p>If the 9-5 lifestyle is starting to wear thin on you, you might be getting curious about other ways of working, like being self-employed. If you’ve been in a 9-5 your whole working life, becoming self-employed can seem pretty foreign. And it’s not a decision you should make lightly. After all, becoming self-employed would mean taking on a whole new way of living &#8211; and it’s not for everyone! But <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-be-happy-in-a-job-you-hate-sonicjobs/?id=813"><strong>happiness at work</strong></a> should be your first priority!</p>



<p>Let’s take a look at all the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed, so you can see if it’s a good fit for you!</p>



<h2>5 positives of being self-employed</h2>



<h3>Full autonomy</h3>



<p>One of the biggest benefits of being self-employed is undoubtedly being your own boss. You call the shots. There’s no need to ask your manager for time off, and you’ve got nobody breathing down your neck cracking the whip.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Higher earning potential</h3>



<p>Generally speaking, self-employed people earn more money than traditional PAYE employees. A <a href="https://realbusiness.co.uk/better-self-employed-employed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>study</strong></a> found that self-employed people were earning roughly £5000 more than the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-the-average-salary-in-the-uk-sonicjobs/?id=874"><strong>average salary in the UK</strong></a>. Of course, this all depends on the success of your business, which doesn’t necessarily come easy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Variety of work</h3>



<p>A great advantage to being self-employed is that you’re usually working with different clients. This gives you a nice variety of work. You won’t get stuck doing the same thing day in, day out. And if you do, it’s in your power to change that!</p>



<h3>Choose your clients</h3>



<p>Instead of working for a boss you don’t like, as a self-employed person you get to choose who you work with. If you don’t gel with a particular client, you can politely decline the work and move onto a client that’s a better fit.</p>



<h3>No office politics</h3>



<p>It’s not fun when you work in a place that has office politics. Whether it’s a hierarchy or just a dog eat dog culture, that’s no place to be. Being self-employed, you completely cut out the stress of any toxic office politics.</p>



<h2>5 negatives of being self-employed</h2>



<h3>Uncertain income</h3>



<p>Being self-employed comes with its uncertainties. Unlike being an employee, you’re not guaranteed a set income each month. If a client drops out, your income can significantly drop from one month to the next. You’ll need to develop a strong client base. You also really need to have your finances in check to prepare for worst case scenarios.</p>



<h3>Time management</h3>



<p>Some people struggle with being self-employed because they’re not used to managing their own time. In a regular job, you have more structure and a manager to keep you in check. But as a freelancer, you need to manage your own time and be disciplined!</p>



<h3>No ‘benefits’</h3>



<p>As a self-employed person, you miss out on the benefits that regular employees get. For example, paid sick leave, annual leave and pension contributions. But so long as you factor these things into your pricing by charging more, you should be able to cover the costs.</p>



<h3>Everything is on your own shoulders</h3>



<p>Being self-employed comes with its own pressures that you wouldn’t have in a 9-5. For example, if a client is late paying an invoice, it’s down to you to chase it. If you’ve had a full day of appointments but have a stack of admin work that needs doing, it’s down to you to complete it. You need to be prepared to step up to the challenge, and sometimes that means working late!&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Lack of team</h3>



<p>Self-employed people are often lone wolves. If you’re a people-person who enjoys working as part of a team, you may struggle with the solo life. It’s not for everyone!</p>



<h2>10 self-employed job ideas</h2>



<p>Here’s a list of some of the best self-employed jobs to get your ideas flowing:</p>



<ul><li>Cleaner</li><li>Beautician</li><li>Graphic designer</li><li>Plumber</li><li>Electrician</li><li>Hairdresser</li><li>Photographer</li><li>Personal trainer</li><li>Gardener</li><li>Masseuse</li></ul>



<h2>Is it right for you?</h2>



<p>The self-employed life isn’t right for everyone. To thrive as a self-employed person, you need to be highly self-motivated. There&#8217;s a lot of solo work involved. But if you think you can handle those things, you’ll find yourself thriving in the freelance world. You’ll probably never look back!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>At a crossroads in your career? Browse the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to see what career opportunities are available. We have the UK’s largest database of jobs, so we know you’ll find something you’ll love!</em></p>


Is being self-employed a good idea?


<p>If your hours at work are starting to stack up, you’re probably wondering if what you’re working is normal. And maybe questioning how far to push yourself. Everyone’s circumstances are different. So you shouldn’t use other people as a benchmark to set the standard for yourself. Otherwise you can end up <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-enjoy-your-job-sonicjobs/?id=817"><strong>feeling miserable at work</strong></a>. If you’re experiencing burnout, chances are you’re working too hard! </p>



<p>50 hours of work a week is a lot by UK standards. UK regulations prohibit workings from exceeding an average of 48 hours per week (averaged over 17 weeks). This means that some weeks you may work 50 hours, but this is okay so long as your average over the 17 weeks is below 48 hours.</p>



<h2>What are the average working hours per week in the UK?</h2>



<p>Most full-time employees in the UK work between 35 to 40 hours per week. But, some companies may have longer working hours, increasing the working hours per week. UK working time regulations prevent workers from exceeding an average of 48 hours per week. But you can <a href="https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>opt out</strong></a> of this if you want to work more hours per week.</p>



<h2>5 tell-tale signs of burnout</h2>



<p>If you’re working a lot of hours during the week, it’s important to make sure you’re not compromising your health. Here are 5 signs that could indicate you’re working too hard:</p>



<h3>1. Exhaustion</h3>



<p>If your energy levels are low and you just pass out once you get in from work, you’re probably overdoing it! You should still have enough energy to enjoy your free time instead of gasping for your bed.</p>



<h3>2. Stress and anxiety</h3>



<p>Anxiety and stress are key indicators that your work may be taking a toll on you. If you’re working as many hours as possible, reducing your hours may help reduce some of your stress.</p>



<h3>3. Skipping lunch</h3>



<p>Skipping your lunches is a sign of overworking. Your breaks are there for a reason. Working without a break will be detrimental to your health.</p>



<h3>4. Staying late</h3>



<p>If you’re staying past your finish time to complete, chances are you’re bordering on burnout. Staying late once in a while is fine. But if this is a regular part of your working routine, you may need to reassess your hours to find a better work-life balance.</p>



<h3>5. Sleep deprivation</h3>



<p>Sleep deprivation is a tell-tale sign of burnout. Sometimes we take on so much during the day, that it’s not possible to sleep properly throughout the night. This isn’t healthy, and should serve as a sign that you need to rejig your workload or hours.</p>



<h2>How to create more work-life balance</h2>



<p>It may reach a point where you need to take some serious action to rebalance your work and personal life. Here are a few tips to implement:</p>



<ul><li><strong><strong>Exercise </strong>&#8211;</strong> doing exercise regularly is a great way to release endorphins and release stress. It also gives you something else to focus on other than work. Often, due to the intensity of exercising, you’ll completely forget about your work life during your workout. Exercise gives your mind a break.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Take your breaks </strong>&#8211; we’re all guilty of skipping a break here and there, but this can’t be a regular habit. Your body needs a break so it can recalibrate and perform even better when you get back to work.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Ask for help</strong> &#8211; there’s no shame in asking for help. If you’re drowning in work or struggling to cope with your hours, speak to your manager to see what can be done to help.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Reduce your hours </strong>&#8211; you always have the option of reducing your hours if necessary. You can learn more about <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-hours-is-a-full-time-job-sonicjobs/?id=923"><strong>the rights of part-time employees</strong></a> to see if it would suit you.</li></ul>



<h2>Prioritise health</h2>



<p>Keeping a healthy work-life balance should be a priority for any employee. It’s okay to take on some extra hours here and there. But too much work can result in burnout, leaving your energy levels depleted. If you’re feeling burnt out, it may be time to speak with your manager or find a job with a better work-life balance.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>Looking for a change? </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> is home to over half a million job opportunities. Browse our app to find a job that fits your lifestyle.</em></p>


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When is it okay to miss work at short notice?

When is it okay to miss work at short notice?

What is a national insurance number?

A complete guide to sabbatical leave in the UK

What is minimum wage in the UK?

How to accept a job offer

How long is a notice period?

What is a P45?

Is being self-employed a good idea?

Is 50 hours of work a week a lot?

SonicJobs

Your next career move. Sorted.

Our
community
love us