Age: an employer cannot turn you down because you are too old (or too young) - ageism is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
National Insurance and Tax. In 2014-2015 you can earn up to £10,000 a year without paying Income Tax and up to £153 a week before you pay NI contributions. As long as you earn more than £111 a week, you can build up your entitlement to a State Pension. Ring the NI Registration Helpline on 0300 200 3502 if you don't know your NI number. (Beware of unofficial websites that charge you for this!)
Flexible working: If you are a carer (defined as caring for a spouse, civil partner or partner, or another relative, you may have the right once ayear to ask your employer for flexible working, such as a change in your hours, or working from home. Your employer must consider your request and give an objective business reason if they refuse.
How long can I work? There is no default retirement age (Equalities Act 2010) and most businesses don't set a compulsary retirement age for employees.
State Pension: Currently the age for receiving the state pension can be between 61 and 68 years, depending on when you were born. But anyone can continue working past this age if they want or need to.
Part-time rights: You are entitled to the same treatment as full-time workers (unless your employer can justify exceptions). This covers pay rates (inlcuding sick pay, maternity pay, pension benefits, holidays) plus training and career development, and opportunities for promotion or career breaks. Some benefits are applied 'pro rata'. See gov.uk/part-time-worker-rights.
Redundancy: Legally, employers have to follow certain procedures. They can't force you to retire, but they can dismiss you if they have a fair reason, or make your role redundant. Visit the TUC website worksmart.org.uk for general information on your employment rights or gov.uk/redundant-your-rights.
Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2014
