My rights

Monika J

We all have the right to speak up if we are not being treated fairly. Understanding more about my rights has helped me to get out of some difficult situations. I now work in a rewarding job where I help others to fight for their rights.

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  • If your rights are not respected, you can get free and confidential support

    People often seek support for:

    • Being denied access to education, healthcare or work
    • Being exploited at work
    • Being the victim of a ‘hate crime’
    • Having problems with their landlord
    • Experiencing verbal or physical abuse at home
  • Most people in the UK have the right to freely live, work, study, access healthcare and education

    Your exact rights will depend on your legal status in the UK, but most people living in the UK have access to these services. This includes all UK and EU citizens who arrived in the UK before 31st December 2020.

  • If you are the victim of a hate crime, there is free and confidential support available

    This is when a person is targeted because of who they are, for example, their gender or ethnicity. This is a serious and punishable crime whether the abuse is verbal, physical or online.

    Citizens Advice supports all people, while organisations like EERC and HMSC focus on migrants

  • Learn your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

    Take time to understand what these are, and where to go if you experience problems:

    • Your responsibilities e.g. to pay your rent on time and look after your home. Read more online here
    • Landlords’ responsibilities e.g. to protect your deposit and carry out most repairs. Read more online here
  • You should not be exploited or abused at work - it is illegal and you can get help

    If you are feeling threatened and think your rights are being abused, for example you’re not getting paid or you’re working in bad conditions, you can get help to better your situation:

    In person - from organisations like Citizens Advice & Connected Communities

    By phone - from organisations like ACAS (0300 123 1100)

  • You’re free to make your own decisions, live independently and feel safe

    If you feel that a partner or other person you know is controlling you, forcing you to do certain things, or making you feel scared or hurt, there is support available:

    • Refuge provides free and confidential support in various languages - call their free helpline on 0808 2000 247 or read more online here
  • You may be entitled to financial help from the government

    Some people need help with daily living costs to make ends meet, for example if they earn a low income. They need to:

    • Apply for ‘Universal Credit’ or other ‘benefits’
    • Show they have the ‘right to reside’
    • Read more in 'Financial support'
  • Get the right legal and immigration help

    For specialist immigration advice, look for an ‘OISC registered’ advisor (search online here) - this means they are qualified to advise you about immigration. Depending on your legal query, there are local organisations who can provide free basic support:

    Citizens Advice supports all people, while organisations like HMSC support migrants

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