Session 2: Income, Employment and Payslips

Earn it. Read it. Keep it.

This session introduces students to the world of employment and income. They begin by exploring different types of work contracts – full-time, part-time, zero-hours, and self-employed – and how each affects job security, income, and benefits. Students then learn to decode payslips, identifying gross pay, net pay, tax bands, and National Insurance contributions. Using sample payslips, they complete an activity where they spot and correct common errors, such as miscalculated deductions or missing hours. The session also covers methods of payment, including BACS and cash, with ideas around security and convenience. A myth-busting segment challenges assumptions like “zero-hours means no rights” or “tax just takes your money.” The reflection prompt – “Why do we pay tax?” – links personal income to public services like the NHS, education, and infrastructure, encouraging civic awareness. By the end of the session, students will be able to read a payslip confidently, understand how income is processed and taxed, and appreciate the broader social value of taxation. This session blends financial literacy with real-world relevance and ethical reflection.