Making Changes to your Employment Contract: Advice for PAs

New/Updated
This article outlines when your contract of employment might change, who can request a change, and what to do if your employer wants to change your employment contract.

Managing your Working Relationship

As a Personal Assistant you have a unique relationship with your employer. You’re supporting them to do the things they’re not able to do and although this can feel like a personal relationship, it’s not. Remember you’re the employee and you need to remain independent and professional. 

Minimum hourly rate for PAs

Hot topic
New/Updated
Each year, the Scottish Government sets the minimum hourly rate of pay for Personal Assistants. This article explains what the current national minimum rate of pay for PAs is.

Moving from Benefits to Starting Work as a PA

New/Updated
If you are considering moving from benefits to starting work as a PA, you may have questions about what this means. Find out more and learn where to get help moving into work.

National Minimum Wage and Statutory Payment Rates

New/Updated
The National Minimum Wage rates apply to Personal Assistants who support children, or those employed privately by their employer. This article details the rates which apply from April 2024.

PA Employer Responsibilities

New/Updated
As a PA, it can be helpful to know what your employer's responsibilities are when it comes to following the law and good practice as an employer. 

PA Induction

An induction is where you learn about your job, like where to find things you will need and what is expected of you. It usually happens when you first start in your new role. See what can be covered in an Induction process and what to expect when starting a new role as a PA.

Payroll Services in Scotland

Employing a PA brings with it certain legal and financial responsibilities. Therefore, PA employers may use a payroll service to help them, for example, calculate how much tax and National Insurance their PAs should pay.

Pensions for Personal Assistants

New/Updated
Information about pensions for Personal Assistants, including when you may be eligible for automatic enrolment in a workplace pension.

Personal Assistant Programme Board

Hot topic
New/Updated
Find out more about the Personal Assistant Programme Board, which aims to improve things for PAs, and by extension employers, across Scotland.

Preparing for a job interview as a PA

New/Updated
Hints and tips on what to expect if you are invited for an interview as a PA.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG): For PAs

Hot topic
New/Updated
Find out about the checks an Employer can ask you to undertake to show that you are allowed to work with children/ vulnerable adults.

Redundancy for PAs

New/Updated
Outlining the rules and expectations on employers when they are considering making an employee redundant and an employees rights in relation to redundancy

Sick Pay for PAs

What to do if you are sick and cannot work, and what entitlements you may have to sick pay.

Smoking in the home: a guide for PAs and Employers

New/Updated
Advice for PA Employers and PAs about how to handle the issue of smoking in a person's home.

Sources of Information for Self-Employed PAs

A list of organisations and links where you can get further information on being a self-employed PA.

Support for PAs who are also unpaid carers

Hot topic
You may be working as a Personal Assistant and also support someone else in your life, unpaid - like a family member or friend. This article explains what support is available to you if you are an unpaid carer.

The Blue Light Card

Hot topic
New/Updated
Find out more about the Blue Light Card. PAs are currently not eligible for the card, but you may be eligible if you work in another social care role.

The Open Badges Scheme for PAs

Open Badges are free digital certificates that support ongoing learning and evidence of professional development in your role as a PA. PAs can earn Open Badges from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and many other social service organisations when they complete a course and pass the assessment.

The Role and Responsibilities of a PA (for PAs)

There are many potential responsibilities for a PA which must be specified prior to starting a new job. Find out more here about what to expect and about the rights you will have as an employee.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.