Shift work for students with part-time jobs
Students often juggle two part-time jobs around lectures: bar and café work, retail, care, events and delivery. International students on a Student visa also have a strict weekly limit on the hours they can work during term time.
How your pay works
- Minimum wage depends on your age: the full National Living Wage applies from 21, with lower rates at 18 to 20 and under 18.
- Student visa: degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time (10 below degree level). The week runs Monday to Sunday and all jobs count together.
- Tax: most students earn under the £12,570 personal allowance and shouldn't pay income tax. If you're taxed on an emergency code, you can claim it back.
- Two jobs: your allowance usually goes to one job and the second is taxed at 20%. If your main job pays less than the allowance, ask HMRC to move some of it.
- Holiday builds up even on part-time and irregular hours.
What to keep a record of
- Every shift across every job
- Hours per week (Monday to Sunday) if you're on a visa
- Your rate and age band
- Tax deducted on each payslip
- What's been paid
Get started
Not sure what the legal minimum is for your age? See the current minimum wage rates. Log each shift as you finish it in Shiftaan and you'll always know which ones are still unpaid. Start free, no card needed.
Common questions
How many hours can I work on a Student visa?
Usually up to 20 hours a week during term time if you're studying at degree level, and 10 below degree level. Check your visa for your exact limit. All your jobs count together, Monday to Sunday.
Do students pay tax on part-time jobs?
Only on earnings above the personal allowance (£12,570 a year). If tax is taken on an emergency code, you can get it back from HMRC.
Do I get holiday pay as a part-time student worker?
Yes. Holiday builds up whatever hours you work, and on irregular hours it's 12.07% of the hours you work.