Fourth Login UK

Fourth Login UK: A Complete, Human-Friendly Guide (Steps, Fixes, Tips)

If you work in UK hospitality, retail, or leisure, there’s a good chance your employer uses Fourth (sometimes paired with HotSchedules) to manage rotas, timesheets, payroll, and HR. And if you’ve ever searched for “Fourth login UK,” you were probably trying to clock in, check your schedule, swap a shift, or download a payslip fast. This guide is your one-stop, no-nonsense walkthrough: how to log in on web and mobile, what to do if you’re locked out, how to reset your password, set up two-factor authentication (2FA), and all the quality-of-life tips that save time on a busy shift.

1) What Fourth Is and Why UK Teams Use It

Fourth is a workforce management and back-office platform widely used across the UK hospitality sector (pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels, cinemas) and increasingly in retail/leisure. For employees, it typically means:

  • Scheduling & Rotas: View upcoming shifts, request time off, and swap/trade shifts (if your company enables it).

  • Time & Attendance: Clock in/out (site policies vary).

  • Payslips & Payroll: Access payslips, P60s, and tax details in one place.

  • HR Self-Service: Update personal info, bank details, emergency contacts, and read company documents/policies.

  • Messaging & Alerts: Get notified about new shifts, approvals, or last-minute changes.

If your company mentions HotSchedules alongside Fourth, think of HotSchedules as the scheduling and team-communication layer that often sits within the same ecosystem.

2) The Three Ways to Log In (UK Users)

You’ll typically log in via one of these routes (your employer will confirm which):

  1. Company Portal / Web Login

    • You’ll receive a username (often your email) and a temporary password or activation link from your employer or an automated Fourth email.

    • Use the official Fourth sign-in page your company provides (avoid bookmarks to random search results to prevent phishing).

    • After first login, you’ll set your own strong password and security questions, and possibly 2FA.

  2. Mobile App (often “HotSchedules” or a branded Fourth app)

    • Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

    • Sign in with the same credentials you use on the web.

    • Enable push notifications for shift changes, approvals, and manager messages.

  3. Single Sign-On (SSO) (if your employer uses Microsoft/Google/Okta)

    • You’ll click “Sign in with [provider]” and authenticate with your company email account.

    • Password resets then happen via your SSO provider—not in Fourth.

Pro tip: If your employer migrated from another tool, you might see mixed branding (Fourth + HotSchedules). Don’t worry—your username/password stays the same across the linked apps once you’ve activated your account.

3) First-Time Setup: Do These 7 Things Once

  1. Activate Your Account

    • Use the activation email from Fourth or the link provided by your manager. Activation links often expire—act promptly.

  2. Create a Strong Password

    • Use at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid pet names or birthdays.

  3. Turn On 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

    • Choose SMS or an authenticator app (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator). This significantly reduces account lockouts due to security checks.

  4. Verify Your Personal Details

    • Check name spelling, National Insurance number, address, and bank info for payroll accuracy.

  5. Set Communication Preferences

    • Enable push/email alerts for rota changes and approvals so you don’t miss last-minute updates.

  6. Learn Where Payslips Live

    • Note the exact menu path to payslips, P60s, and tax docs—future you will thank you.

  7. Bookmark the Correct Login Page

    • Use the official link provided by your employer and save it securely (password manager > browser bookmark).

4) Step-by-Step: How to Log In (Web & App)

Web (Desktop/Laptop)

  1. Open your official Fourth login link (from your welcome email or internal portal).

  2. Enter username (often your work email).

  3. Enter password (or use SSO if your company uses it).

  4. Complete 2FA if prompted.

  5. You’ll land on your dashboard—look for tiles/menus like My Schedule, Payslips, Time Off, Messages, HR Profile.

Mobile App

  1. Install the app your employer specifies (commonly HotSchedules).

  2. Open the app → Sign In.

  3. Enter username and password (or tap your SSO provider).

  4. Approve 2FA.

  5. On first launch, allow Notifications so you catch shift changes.

Pro tip: If you work multiple jobs using Fourth, you might have multiple profiles. Ensure you’re in the right location/brand before making changes or requesting swaps.

5) Password Resets, Locked Accounts, and 2FA Problems

Forgot Password

  • Click “Forgot Password” on the login screen.

  • Enter your registered email/username → check your inbox (and spam) for a reset link.

  • If you use SSO, reset your password through your SSO provider (e.g., Microsoft).

Locked Out After Too Many Attempts

  • Most companies set a short lockout window (e.g., 15 minutes). Wait it out, then try again with the reset link.

  • If it keeps failing, your username may be misspelled or your account not fully activated—contact your manager or internal IT.

Lost or New Phone (2FA)

  • If you changed phones and can’t access your authenticator/SMS, you’ll need 2FA recovery.

  • Reach out to your manager or support to reset your 2FA so you can re-enrol your new device.

Email Not Arriving

  • Check spam/junk, confirm the exact email on your profile (personal vs work), and whitelist Fourth’s sender domain (ask IT for the official domain).

  • Corporate email filters can be strict; sometimes viewing in Outlook webmail shows messages blocked on desktop.

6) Common Errors and How to Fix Them Fast

  • “Invalid Username/Password”

    • Check caps lock, extra spaces (especially on mobile), and that you’re using the correct tenant/brand login if your company has multiple portals.

    • If you recently changed your email, try both old and new usernames.

  • “Account Not Found” or “No Active Assignment”

    • Your HR profile may not be fully onboarded or your assignment end date passed. Ask your manager to confirm your status in Fourth.

  • App Crashes/Spins on Loading

    • Update the app, clear cache, and ensure you’re on the current iOS/Android version. Reinstall if needed.

  • Payslip Missing

    • Payroll may not have published yet, or you’re looking under the wrong legal entity if your company has multiple brands. Confirm the pay cycle with your manager.

  • Can’t Swap Shifts

    • Your site may have swap approvals or eligibility rules (skill/role restrictions, minimum hours, contracted hours). Read the policy in the app or staff handbook.

7) Privacy & Security (UK Essentials)

  • UK GDPR & Data Minimisation: Fourth is designed for HR and payroll data, so expect standard compliance practices. Only store what’s needed, and keep personal details up to date.

  • 2FA Recommended: It’s the single best step to protect payslips, bank details, and NI number.

  • Phishing Awareness: Always use your official company login link. Be sceptical of emails asking you to “verify your password” on look-alike domains.

  • Shared Devices at Work: Always log out, and avoid saving passwords on shared tills or kiosks. Use your own phone + 2FA where allowed.

8) Quality-of-Life Tips (Speed Up Your Day)

  • Use a Password Manager: Auto-fills the correct portal and prevents typos when you’re rushing to a shift.

  • Turn On Push + Email Alerts: Never miss a rota change or message from your manager.

  • Schedule Exports: If allowed, export or screenshot your weekly rota and pin it for quick reference.

  • Keep Bank Details Current: A surprising number of payroll delays trace back to an outdated account number/sort code.

  • Know Your Deadlines: Time-off requests and swap windows often close at specific times; mark them in your calendar.

9) Manager’s Corner (If You’re a Supervisor)

  • Onboarding: Make sure new starters receive activation emails on day one.

  • Rota Hygiene: Publish and lock schedules consistently to reduce last-minute panic.

  • Access Control: Disable access promptly for leavers and confirm any role changes so permissions stay correct.

  • Broadcasts: Use announcements to communicate policy changes (holiday cut-offs, payroll deadlines, uniform reminders).

FAQ

Q: Do I need a work email to use Fourth?
A: Not always. Many sites use personal emails for employee logins. Your company decides which email is on file.

Q: Can I change my username?
A: Usually the email is the username. If you change emails, ask your manager/HR to update it centrally.

Q: Where are payslips and P60s?
A: In the Payroll/Pay Documents section of your self-service area. If you don’t see them, they may not be published yet, or you might be viewing the wrong entity.

Q: My colleague sees features I don’t. Why?
A: Access is role- and site-configured. Managers have different menus than team members, and some features are turned off at certain brands.

Q: Do I need the HotSchedules app or a Fourth app?
A: Follow your employer’s instructions. Many UK brands use HotSchedules as the mobile front end for scheduling within the Fourth ecosystem.

Related: Pulsio Discount Code: How to Find, Apply, and Maximize Your Savings

Final Take

“Fourth login UK” boils down to three key things: use the official link or app specified by your employer, secure your account with 2FA, and know where your key items are located (rotas, swaps, time-off, payslips). If you’re locked out, don’t spin your wheels. Reset your password, verify your username/email, and escalate to your manager or IT to re-enable access or reset 2FA. Once you’ve completed the one-time setup properly, daily use becomes quick, predictable, and crucially stress-free in the minutes leading up to service.

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