UK Recruitment Glossary
Overtime
In recruiter context
UK law doesn't require overtime to be paid above your contracted rate — that's down to your contract. Many UK professional roles include the line "you may be required to work additional hours as the role demands, for which no further payment will be made." That's the contractual basis for unpaid overtime, and it's everywhere in finance, law, and consulting. Hourly and shift workers usually get 1.5x or 2x rates by contract or collective agreement. TOIL (time off in lieu) is the alternative: bank the hours, take them off later. Get TOIL agreements in writing, or they evaporate.
Related terms
Reference Check
A call or written enquiry the employer makes to confirm your past employment and performance.
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Probation Period
An initial employment window (typically 3-6 months in the UK) where notice periods are shorter on bo…
Cold Application
Applying to a job without any prior contact, referral, or recruiter conversation.