In the United Kingdom, Filipino domestic workers, commonly referred to as yayas (nannies) and housekeepers, play a vital role in many households, providing childcare, cleaning, cooking, and even elderly care. Despite their contributions, many are unaware of their full rights under UK law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. This blog aims to educate Filipino domestic workers and their employers about key employment rights in the UK, ensuring dignity, fairness, and lawful working conditions.

Who Are Domestic Workers?

Domestic workers include nannies, housekeepers, cooks, carers, and other staff employed to work in a private household. Many Filipino workers come to the UK through the Overseas Domestic Worker (ODW) visa, or by accompanying their employers from overseas.

Regardless of visa status, anyone working in the UK has specific rights and protections under employment law, especially those who live and work in someone’s home.

Key Workers’ Rights Under UK Law

1. National Minimum Wage (NMW)

All domestic workers, including live-in staff, are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage (depending on their age). As of April 2025, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £11.44 per hour. Even if you receive accommodation and food, employers must not pay below the legal hourly wage, except for a small accommodation offset.

 

Important: It is illegal for an employer to deduct unreasonable amounts from wages for accommodation or food.

 

2.Paid Holidays

Domestic workers are entitled to at least 28 days of paid holiday per year (including public holidays). This applies whether you work full-time or part-time. Holidays should be planned in consultation with the employer, but workers should not be denied this right.


3.Rest Breaks and Working Hours

Under the Working Time Regulations:

  • Workers should not work more than 48 hours per week on average unless they voluntarily opt out.
  • Workers are entitled to 11 hours of rest between working days.
  • You are also entitled to one full day off per week, or two days every fortnight.
  • For shifts over 6 hours, workers should receive a 20-minute rest break.

    4. Protection Against Abuse and Exploitation

The UK has strict laws against modern slavery, trafficking, and forced labour. It is illegal for employers to:

  • Confiscate passports or restrict movement
  • Withhold wages or force long, unpaid hours
  • Threaten or intimidate workers
  • Isolate workers from the outside world

If you experience any of these, you can report it to the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline (0800 0121 700).


5. Sick Pay and Maternity Rights

If you fall ill and meet eligibility criteria (e.g., earnings threshold), you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This is currently £116.75 per week (as of 2025) for up to 28 weeks.

Pregnant domestic workers may qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance, and have the right to 52 weeks of maternity leave (39 weeks paid if eligible). During pregnancy, employers must also ensure the work is safe and make adjustments as needed.


6. Right to a Written Contract

All workers have the right to a written employment contract or statement of employment, outlining job responsibilities, pay, hours, and conditions. This must be provided on or before the first day of work.


7. Protection from Unfair Dismissal

After 2 years of continuous employment, domestic workers gain protection from unfair dismissal. However, even before that period, you are protected from discriminatory dismissal (e.g., based on race, gender, religion, or pregnancy).

For Live-In Domestic Workers

Some employers provide accommodation and food in exchange for domestic help. This is common in households employing live-in yayas. While this can be a practical setup, it must still comply with UK labour laws.

Even if you live with your employer:

  • You must not be on-call 24/7
  • You still have the right to rest, privacy, and free time
  • Any deductions for accommodation must follow legal limits

Migrant Domestic Workers Visa (ODW Visa)

Filipinos entering the UK on a Migrant Domestic Worker visa are allowed to:

  • Change employers (within the 6-month visa period)
  • Work as a live-in or live-out domestic worker
  • Report abuse or exploitation without fear of immediate deportation

However, this visa is not renewable and does not lead to permanent residence. Campaigns are ongoing to improve protections and extend visa rights.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

If you’re a Filipino domestic worker facing abuse, underpayment, or poor working conditions, you are not alone. There are organizations that can help:

  • Kalayaan (for migrant domestic workers)
    Website: www.kalayaan.org.uk
    Tel: 020 7243 2942
  • Citizens Advice Bureau – Offers free legal advice
  • ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) – 0300 123 1100
  • Modern Slavery Helpline – 0800 0121 700 (confidential, 24/7)

Final Thoughts

Every Filipino yaya or housekeeper in the UK deserves to be treated with respect and fairness. Knowing your rights is the first step to empowerment. Employers, too, must take responsibility to ensure lawful, humane treatment of domestic staff.

If you’re a domestic worker, speak up, stay informed, and reach out if something feels wrong. And if you’re an employer, respect, fair pay, and dignity should be the foundation of any domestic working relationship.