What are the legal rights and responsibilities of employers in the UK?
Employment law is the legal framework governing the relationship between employers and employees. It outlines employers' obligations, such as providing a safe workplace, and employees' rights, like fair pay. As a dynamic field, employment law continually evolves. It draws from various sources, including employment contracts and statutory rights introduced by UK legislation.
Employment law emerged as a means to balance the power dynamic between employers and employees, ensuring that workers are treated equitably and that their rights are protected.
What happens if employers don’t comply with the law?
While most employers strive to treat employees fairly, employment law provides a mechanism to address instances of unfair treatment. Employment tribunals are a key part of this process, allowing employees to enforce their rights and seek compensation for issues such as unpaid wages. Government agencies, like HMRC, also play a role by taking action against employers who violate minimum wage laws.
What are the key areas of employment law?
Employment law encompasses a broad range of laws, rights, and obligations governing the employment relationship, from recruitment to redundancy.
Essential Employer Obligations are:
Right for employees
Rights for workers
Part-time worker’s rights
National Living Wage and Minimum Wage
Contracts of employment
Flexible working
Unfair dismissals
Constructive dismissal
Wrongful dismissal
Disciplinary procedure
Grievance procedure
Working Time regulations
Discrimination
Whistleblowing
Family leave Maternity/Paternity
Enhanced pay and leave
Trade Union membership & protections
Health and safety
Key employer responsibilities
Data protection
Gender pay gap reporting
flexible & hybrid working
Equal pay
Disability discrimination
Annual leave
Race discrimination
Religion discrimination
Sex discrimination
Working time
Stress & wellbeing
For assistance with employment law matters, please contact us today.
Being a fair and respectful employer who adheres to employment law is the best way to prevent disputes and tribunal claims. While most issues can be resolved internally, even diligent employers may encounter challenges like procedural errors or complex employee disputes.
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