Employment Law for Employers & Employees
The law imposes many regulations on employers. It is essential that they are fully cognisant of these rules, otherwise they may risk finding themselves on the wrong end of unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, among many other things. Not tripping over this red tape can be a challenge.
An employer must stay on top of the law with regard to the following:
- Breach of contract – you must ensure that you do not break the terms, express or implied, of the employment contract you have drawn up for your employees, otherwise you may be liable to pay large sums of compensation in an employment tribunal
- Workplace bullying
- Compromise Agreements – these mean that an employee can not pursue any claims against you in exchange for a sum of money
- Constructive dismissal – an employee can sue you if they feel they were forced into resigning from their post due to unreasonable behaviour on your part
- Data protection – any misuse of employees’ personal information could have severe ramifications for your company and its finances. Adherence to the data protection act is essential
- Disciplinary Procedures and Suspensions – when taking disciplinary action against employees it is important to ensure that any punishment is fair and that employees have ample opportunity to defend themselves against any allegations by putting forward their side of the story
- Discrimination - you must not treat employees differently based on their age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or because of a disability
- Flexible working – an employer is obligated to consider any request by an employee for flexible working conditions, providing they meet certain criteria
- Health & Safety – ensuring your workers are safe carrying out their roles is of paramount importance. We have an entire section dedicated to occupational health and safety
- Holidays – you must grant your employees at least the minimum number of days off that they are entitled to (28 days for full-time workers)
- Maternity & Paternity Rights
- Redundancy
- Sexual Harassment
- Sickness Absence
- TUPE Law