Employment law protects workers and ensures fair treatment in the workplace. Whether you are starting a new job, dealing with workplace disputes, or leaving a position, it’s important to know your rights. In this guide, we’ll break down the key aspects of employment law in simple terms.
If you witness illegal activity or wrongdoing at work, you have the right to report it without fear of losing your job. This could include: Health and safety violations, Financial fraud, Discrimination or harassment. Employers cannot legally punish or dismiss workers for whistleblowing.
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Your Right to a Contract
When you start a job, your employer should give you a written statement of employment terms within two months of starting work. This should include:
• Your job title and responsibilities
• Your working hours and pay
• Holiday and sick leave entitlement
• Notice period and termination terms
A proper employment contract protects both you and your employer by setting clear expectations. If you don’t receive a written contract, you still have rights under employment law.
Your Right to Fair Pay
Every worker is entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, depending on their age and employment status. Employers must also provide payslips that show deductions like tax and pension contributions.
You are also entitled to equal pay—if you are doing the same job as a colleague of the opposite sex, you should receive the same salary unless there is a valid reason for the difference.
Your Right to Safe Working Conditions
Employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace. This includes:
• Proper training for your role
• Safety equipment if needed
• Protection from workplace hazards
If you feel unsafe at work, you have the right to report it to your employer or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Employers cannot punish you for raising safety concerns.
Your Right to Rest, Breaks and Holiday Leave
Workers are entitled to rest breaks during their shifts, as well as paid annual leave. In the UK, full-time employees are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year. Part-time workers receive a proportionate amount.
You also have the right to:
• A 20-minute break if working more than 6 hours
• 11 hours’ rest between shifts
• One full day off per week
Employers cannot refuse to give you your legal rest breaks.
Your Right to Protection from Discrimination
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against workers based on:
• Age
• Gender
• Race or nationality
• Religion or beliefs
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Pregnancy or maternity
If you experience workplace discrimination, you can raise the issue with your employer, file a formal grievance, or take legal action through an employment tribunal.
Your Right to Maternity, Paternity, and Parental Leave
Expecting mothers are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) available for up to 39 weeks. Fathers and partners can take up to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave.
Parents also have the right to:
• Shared parental leave
• Unpaid parental leave for childcare
• Flexible working requests after 26 weeks of employment
Employers must not treat employees unfairly for taking maternity or paternity leave.
Your Right to Protection from Unfair Dismissal
If you have worked for an employer for at least two years, you cannot be dismissed without a valid reason. Common grounds for unfair dismissal include:
• Being dismissed without proper procedure
• Fired for reporting misconduct (whistleblowing)
• Dismissed due to pregnancy, race, or disability
If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, you can challenge it through an employment tribunal.
Your Right to Raise Concerns (Whistleblowing)
If you witness illegal activity or wrongdoing at work, you have the right to report it without fear of losing your job. This could include:
• Health and safety violations
• Financial fraud
• Discrimination or harassment
Employers cannot legally punish or dismiss workers for whistleblowing.
Your Right to Flexible Working Requests
After 26 weeks of continuous employment, you can request flexible working arrangements, such as:
• Changing work hours
• Working remotely
• Job sharing
Employers must consider your request and can only refuse it if they have a valid business reason.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If you believe your employer has violated your rights, take the following steps:
1. Talk to your employer – Many issues can be resolved informally.
2. Raise a formal grievance – If informal discussions don’t work, submit a written complaint.
3. Seek legal advice – Consult an employment law solicitor for guidance.
4. Go to an employment tribunal – If necessary, you can file a claim against your employer.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your rights as an employee is crucial to ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. Whether it’s your right to fair pay, safe working conditions, or protection from discrimination, the law is designed to support you and it is important you are familiar with these rights.
For more detailed information you can visit the UK Gov website at Employment Rights Act 1996.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. No financial or legal responsibility is assumed for reliance on this content. For personalized legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor.
