Should I be paying tax?

[Shipstabber]

I have just started temping after being unemployed since the end of March. I am being taxed on my pay, despite not having already earned any money in this tax year (I have been on contribution based JSA though). How has this tax been worked out and will I be entitled to a rebate. Obviously, as I am temping, the work will be sporadic - for example I am not working next week.

If I am entitled to a rebate - will I have to apply for it or will I just automatically get it?

[aristotle]

You should have completed a P60 and given it to your employer on day one. Until they receive that they are obliged to tax you at Base Rate i.e. 22% of everything you're paid. They send the P60 to HM Revenue & Customs who will tell them what code you should be on. If you have been overpaid tax in the current tax year, it will be reimbursed with your pay. For previous tax years, you will need to go direct to HMRC.
P60 can be downloaded from www.hmrc.gov.uk