What to check in a UK job offer before you accept: pay and the minimum wage, hours, holiday, notice, probation, pension, sick pay, conditional offers, the written statement of terms, and how to negotiate.
Getting a job offer is exciting, but it's worth checking the details before you say yes. Once you've accepted, it's harder to change things. Here's what to look at.
Is it conditional?
Many offers are conditional on references, a right to work check, qualifications, a health check or a criminal record check (DBS, Disclosure Scotland or AccessNI). Don't hand in your notice at your current job until conditions are met, or at least until you understand the risk.
Pay
- Is the salary gross (before tax) or including allowances? How often is it paid?
- Is there overtime, and is it paid?
- Are bonuses or commission guaranteed or discretionary?
- Check it's at least the minimum wage for your age. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, £10.85 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices in their first year or under 19.
Hours and location
Check your normal hours, any shift patterns, and whether you could be asked to work extra. Most workers can't be made to work more than an average of 48 hours a week unless they opt out in writing. Check where you'll work, and any hybrid or remote arrangements.
Holiday
Almost all workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year. For someone working five days a week, that's 28 days, which can include bank holidays. Check whether bank holidays are included or on top, and how holiday works in your first year.
Sick pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum. Since 6 April 2026, SSP is paid from the first day of sickness and there's no minimum earnings requirement. It's £123.25 a week or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for up to 28 weeks. Many employers pay more under their own scheme; check the details.
Pension
If you're 22 or over and earn more than £10,000 a year, you'll usually be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, with minimum total contributions of 8% of qualifying earnings, including at least 3% from your employer. Some employers pay more, or match extra contributions.
Notice and probation
- Check how much notice you must give, and how much you'll receive. After a month's employment, the legal minimum from your employer is one week, rising with length of service.
- A probation period is common. Check its length and what happens at the end.
Restrictions
Some contracts include restrictive covenants, such as not working for competitors for a period after you leave, or not approaching clients. Read these carefully and ask questions if they seem broad.
The written statement
Employees and workers must receive a written statement of the main terms of employment on or before their first day. It should cover pay, hours, holiday, sick pay, notice, probation, and where you'll work.
Other benefits
Consider flexible working, training, enhanced parental leave, health cover, and travel costs. These can be worth a lot.
Negotiating
- Research typical pay for the role and location.
- Be polite and specific: "Based on my experience in X, I was hoping for £Y. Is there flexibility?"
- Consider negotiating on other things if salary is fixed, such as start date, holiday, or a review after probation.
- Get any agreed changes in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employer withdraw an offer?
Yes, if conditions aren't met. Withdrawing an unconditional, accepted offer may breach contract. Get advice from Acas.
Can I ask for flexible working before I start?
You can discuss it at any point; the legal right to make a formal request applies from day one of employment.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
- Acas: Statutory sick pay
- GOV.UK: Holiday entitlement
- GOV.UK: Workplace pensions
- GOV.UK: Employment contracts, written statement
- Acas: Job offers
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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Chris is a freelance writer and editor covering a wide range of topics with a focus on accuracy and depth.
Last updated: 2026-04-25 · Fact-checked by editorial team
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