No contract — Acas · the UK

Direct answer

A contract exists the moment you work for someone under their direction for pay — a written document is proof, not a condition. You have the same rights to the minimum wage, holidays, sick pay and notice as anyone. The employer must give you the written terms within a short deadline (EU rule: essentials within a week). Ask for them in writing. Acas (0300 123 1100) inspects undeclared work and the penalties hit the employer, not you; Your trade union (TUC) (tuc.org.uk) represents you; DWP — mandatory reconsideration / tribunal appeal (0800 169 0310) can confirm whether you are registered and insured.

Call firstAcas

Report toYour trade union (TUC)

If that failsDWP — mandatory reconsideration / tribunal appeal

🗣️ What to say

"I have worked for you since [date] as [role], [hours] per week, at [pay]. I have not received a written statement of my terms. Please provide it within 7 days and confirm that I am registered for social security. I also ask for [unpaid wages / holidays] to be paid."

🪜 Step by step

Collect proof of the workMessages, rosters, payslips or cash records, photos at the workplace, colleagues who will confirm.
Ask for the written termsThe employer must provide them. A refusal is itself a breach.
Check your registration: DWP — mandatory reconsideration / tribunal appealYour online social-security account shows whether contributions were paid. If not, the employer owes them retroactively.
Report to AcasInspectorates enforce registration and pay the worker's back contributions from the employer. You can report anonymously.
Claim what you are owed: Your trade union (TUC)Wages, holidays, notice — the labour court accepts proof of work in any form.

📇 All contacts

AcasFree advice, early conciliation before a tribunalWithin 3 months less a day of the unpaid date📞 0300 123 1100 🔗 www.acas.org.uk

Your trade union (TUC)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.tuc.org.uk/join-union

DWP — mandatory reconsideration / tribunal appealBenefits, overpayments, appeals within 1 monthWithin 1 month of the decision📞 0800 169 0310 🔗 www.gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration

Acas early conciliation → Employment TribunalUnfair dismissal claims: Acas within 3 months less a dayWithin 3 months less one day of the dismissal📞 0300 123 1100 🔗 www.acas.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get in trouble for working off the books?

The obligation to register and pay contributions is the employer's. Workers rarely face penalties, and inspectorates protect those who report.

Am I a freelancer or an employee?

If they set your hours, your tasks and your tools, you are an employee whatever the invoice says. False self-employment is reclassified by courts and inspectorates.

I was hurt at work and I am not registered

Report the accident anyway — accident insurance covers unregistered workers in most countries and recovers the cost from the employer.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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📄 I work without a written contract or off the books — what are my rights?