Minimum wage, including travel time
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates go up every April and depend on your age. Check the current rates on GOV.UK. Travelling from one work assignment to another counts as working time for the minimum wage, so in home care the travel time between visits counts; travel between home and work does not (GOV.UK: travel time).
Holiday
Most workers are entitled to paid holiday, including people on part-time and irregular hours. See GOV.UK: holiday entitlement.
Checks and registration
Expect a criminal record check arranged by the employer (DBS in England and Wales, PVG in Scotland, AccessNI in Northern Ireland). Registered nurses must be on the NMC register. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland many social care workers must register with the care workforce regulator (SSSC, Social Care Wales, NISCC).
Adjustments
If you're disabled or have a health condition, you can ask the employer for adjustments at any stage of applying, including in a screening.
Questions people ask
Is travel time between home care visits paid?
It counts towards the minimum wage. GOV.UK's example: a care worker with two appointments and no break must be paid at least the minimum wage for the appointments plus the travel time between them. Travel between home and work does not count.
Sources
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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