The world of work in the UK is made up of many different types of jobs. Whether you are an experienced administrator or a new professional, certain rights apply to everyone, according to their circumstances. Every employee and employer needs to be aware of these rights to enjoy the profession in a friendly, happy environment.
Employment rights cover a wide range of things, from working time limits to discrimination in the workplace. Every employee needs to know how these rights affect them, whether an executive or a manual worker. This article will discuss some fundamental employment rights that employees in the UK have.
The right to a contract
Every employee has the right to be given a written contract of employment that states their basic terms and conditions of work. It must be issued within two months of starting an appointment, although it can be issued at any time in the course of your employment. In addition, a permanent employee is entitled to receive a written statement when they are dismissed that contains the reasons for dismissal, any disciplinary code or procedure used, and the date of termination of their contract.
The right to rest breaks
Employees are qualified to a 20-minute lapse for every six hours that they work. However, it can be broken into two ten-minute breaks if the employee wishes. Employees under the age of 16 are only permitted to take one rest break if they work more than four hours. However, the employer can offer one 15-minute rest break instead of two ten-minute breaks.
Employees are not required to take their rest breaks at specific times in a day, e.g., after completing an hour’s work or before starting another hour’s work, but employers must not penalize employees for not taking a break.
Holiday entitlement
All workers are qualified to get 28 days of paid holiday. If you start working for an employer and fall under the category of a permanent employee, then you will automatically gain this right as well as any other permanent member of staff. You may also achieve this right if you work irregular hours or temporary workers. This entitlement can be increased by adding to your contract of employment that the company will provide an extra day’s leave for every 17 weeks worked.
Employees have a right to save up their holiday entitlement from one year to the next, but employers have the right to insist that employees take a minimum of 20 days per year they have saved up. If you are dismissed from your job, then it is likely that your holiday allowance will be paid in lieu of notice or payment in lieu of notice if this was not included in the employment contract.
Employees who work part-time hours have a right to pro-rate their entitlement to holiday leave depending on their work hours.
The right to be paid
Employers must pay their employees on time. All wages earned by an employee should be paid to them once a month on a fixed date. The payment should include all holiday entitlement earned up to the time of payment.
All wages or salary due to you must be paid simultaneously as your usual payday, even if you leave your job before this date. The total amount paid should be shown on your payslip, along with any deductions that have been made.
Employers must not make deductions or withhold any part of an employee’s pay unless this is legally allowed, e.g. to deduct money from your salary because you have broken the terms and conditions of your contract. If employers violate these laws, they may be prosecuted by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
All employees must obtain the National Minimum Wage every time they are paid. The current minimum wage is £7.83 per hour for those aged 25 or over, but you will only receive the legal minimum if you are above compulsory school age, e.g., 16 years old. If you are under the age of 18, your employer must ensure that you are paid at least £4.20 per hour.
Human Rights in Workplace
Human rights are worldly and apply to everyone, regardless of who they are. If a public sector employer doesn’t follow human-rights law, they can be held liable for violating their employee’s rights and face legal action from the workers. If you think your human right is violated at the workplace, you may consider consulting human rights solicitors in London.
Conclusion
Employers are liable for assuring that their employees are being treated with equality regarding the employer’s workplace policies. Some employers may try to mistreat their workers to get away with paying or providing them with less than what is deserved. The workers can take legal action for such mistreats by the employer.