Employment laws

Employment laws are the complex laws governing the relationship between employer and employee. The basis of employment law in the UK is found in UK and EU legislation. Employment tribunals have the jurisdiction to decide employment disputes. Employment laws cover the wide variety of issues that can arise between an employer and employee, from redundancy to health and safety in the workplace.

Two main areas of employment law are:

Dismissal – this can be unlawful in certain circumstances:

Wrongful dismissal

This occurs when an employer has dismissed an employee but they have not followed the correct procedure for dismissal, or have not given the employee the correct notice period. There are statutory minimums for the notice an employer must give an employee for dismissal. The minimum notice period is one week for every year in the job, the maximum being 12 weeks.

Unfair dismissal

This occurs when an employer has dismissed an employee without a fair reason. Alternatively, the employer had a fair reason for dismissal but did not deal with the matter in a fair way. There is a condition that the employee must have been in employment for one year to bring an unfair dismissal claim, although this is due to rise to two years in 2012. However there are exceptions to this time limit, if you feel you have been unfairly dismissed but have not been in employment for the required period, an employment solicitor can inform you if you fall within one of the exceptions.

Constructive dismissal

This occurs when an employee has not been formally dismissed by their employer but the behaviour of the employer has left the employee with no other choice but to resign.

Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace both before and during employment is unlawful. It can take many different forms, for example discrimination due to race, religion, disability, gender, age, and sexual orientation. Employment laws protect your right not to be discriminated against at work.

If you are experiencing any of the issues above or feel you have another problem relating to employment laws, you should consider seeking the advice of an employment solicitor.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on employment law, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist employment law solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local employment solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.