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Refugee / Ukraine

Your employer didn't pay you?
You have full rights — call ACAS.

ACAS — employment rights, 100+ languages, free
0300 123 1100 📞 ПОЗВОНИТЬ
Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00 · Free interpreter · They don't share data with Home Office
Что сказать по телефону
ENI'd like to start Early Conciliation about unpaid wages. I'm a refugee / I'm on the Ukraine Homes visa.
RU«I'd like to start Early Conciliation about unpaid wages. I'm a refugee / I'm on the Ukraine Homes visa.»
Соберите перед звонком
  • Payslips or messages from your employer
  • Your own records of hours worked and dates
  • Employer name and address
  • Your NI Number
  • P45 or P60 if you have them
  • You have full RTW in the UK, including self-employment
  • ACAS is a government service, the call is free
  • They do not share your data with the Home Office
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More details — expand if needed

What are my wage rights?

As someone with Refugee Leave or on one of the Ukraine visa schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme), you have unrestricted RTW in the UK — including employment, self-employment and no limits on hours.

You are entitled to the minimum wage: £12.71/hour (21+), £10.85/hour (18–20), £8.00/hour (under 18 or apprentice). Your employer cannot pay less — no matter what your contract says.

You are also entitled to holiday pay — at least 5.6 weeks per year (pro-rata). Unlawful deductions for housing, food or uniforms are a separate claim.

Deadline to bring a claim: 3 months minus 1 day from the last breach — this is a strict deadline. ACAS Early Conciliation 'stops the clock'.

How much can I get back?

Through ACAS Early Conciliation → Employment Tribunal you can claim:

  • All unpaid wages
  • Underpayment to NMW level for the last 2 years
  • Holiday pay backlog
  • Notice pay if you were dismissed without notice

ACAS Early Conciliation — from 1 December 2025 the period increased to 12 weeks (was 6). Most cases are resolved without a Tribunal.

Refugee Council 'Refugees Into Jobs' programme

Refugee Council offers employment support for people with Refugee Leave and on Ukraine schemes. It's called 'Refugees Into Jobs' — help with CVs, job search and workplace rights.

Website: refugeecouncil.org.uk/get-help/refugees-into-jobs

Note: Refugee Council phone number is not listed — use the contact form on their website.

If you have a new status (from 2 March 2026)

From 2 March 2026 Refugee Leave is granted for 30 months (was 5 years). Your RTW has not changed — it remains full. After 30 months the status is renewed.

If your status was granted before 2 March 2026 — you are still on a 5-year grant. Both groups have the same labour market rights.

Other organisations that can help
Sources
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