Shiftaan Blog

Student Visa: Term-Time vs Holiday Working Hours

When you can work full time on a Student visa, when the 20-hour limit applies, and the dates that actually count.

Agency vs Direct Employment in Security: What is the Difference?

Working through an agency or directly for a security company? How pay, holiday and your rights compare.

How to Find More Security Shifts

Practical ways to pick up extra security work, from agencies and event companies to building a reputation for reliability.

Door Supervisor vs Security Officer Licence: Which Should You Get?

The two most common SIA licences compared: what each lets you do, the training involved and which opens up more work.

SIA Licence Renewal: Costs, Timeline and What You Need

When to renew your SIA licence, what it costs, what training you need and how to avoid a gap in your work.

Tax Codes With Two Jobs Explained

1257L, BR, D0, 0T: what your tax codes mean when you work two jobs, and how to make sure you are not overpaying.

Emergency Tax When You Start a Second Job

Started a new job and lost a big chunk to tax? Why emergency tax codes happen and how to get your money back.

Payslip Deductions: Can They Charge for Uniform or Your SIA Licence?

When employers can take money from your pay for uniform, your licence or training, and when it is unlawful.

Opting Out of the 48-Hour Week: Your Rights

Signing an opt-out lets you work more than 48 hours a week on average. Here is what it means, and how to cancel it.

Night Work Rules in the UK: What Night Workers Need to Know

Night shifts come with extra legal protections, from an 8-hour average limit to free health assessments. Here is what applies to you.

Sick Pay for Agency and Zero-Hours Workers in the UK

Can you get sick pay on a zero-hours or agency contract? What Statutory Sick Pay covers, the April 2026 changes and how to claim.

Holiday Pay for Irregular Hours: The 12.07% Rule Explained

If your hours change every week, your holiday builds up at 12.07% of the hours you work. Here is how it works and how to check it.

Paid Below Minimum Wage? How to Report It to HMRC

How to check whether you have been underpaid, and how to report it to HMRC for free, even anonymously.

How to Chase Unpaid Wages in the UK: Step by Step

Missing pay, late pay or a short payslip? Here is exactly what to do, in order, from a polite email to Acas early conciliation.

How to Track Your Hours When You Work Two Jobs

What Happens If You Accidentally Work Over 20 Hours as a Student?

Working Two Part-Time Jobs on a Student Visa: How the 20-Hour Limit Works

How Many Hours Can an International Student Work in the UK?

The 20-Hour Student Visa Limit: What Actually Counts and What Doesn't

Working a 12-Hour Shift? Here's Why Your Break Doesn't Get Longer

Working a 12-hour shift in the UK? Here's why you might still only get a 20-minute break, and what your employer can legally get away with.

Working for More Than One Company? Here's How the 48-Hour Week Applies

Working for more than one security company? Here's how the UK's 48-hour week limit works across multiple employers, and how to stay on top of it.

The 11-Hour Rule: Rest Between Shifts Explained

UK law entitles workers to 11 hours' rest between shifts. Here's what that means for security guards working back-to-back or split shifts.

How to Track Your Work Hours When You Have Multiple Jobs

Why the Notes app isn't enough—and a simpler way to track hours, rates and unpaid shifts.

Unpaid Shifts? How to Track What You're Owed

A practical UK guide to recording hours and proving outstanding pay.

Best Way to Track Shifts Across Security Companies

Keep hours, rates and pay organised across every company and site.

What to Do If You're Not Paid on Time

Know your rights and protect yourself with a clear record of every shift.

How to Get an SIA Licence in 2026

The steps, costs, first aid requirements and realistic timeline.

Security Guard Salary UK 2026: What You Can Really Earn

Average hourly pay, London rates and practical ways to understand your earnings.

National Minimum Wage 2026: What Security Guards Should Be Paid

The latest UK rates and what to do if you think you've been underpaid.

If I Work 6 Hours, What Break Do I Get in the UK?

UK break rules explained clearly, including what counts and when breaks are paid.