What are some employment laws or rights that you know which you feel every employee should know?
Posted by Be_Grateful8@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 30 comments
For e.g. sick pay, probation period, holiday allowance etc.
peppermint_aero@reddit
If you use screens for more than an hour a day for work your employer needs to pay for an eye test and glasses for using the screen if you need them for screen-based work.
Most big corporate employers will have contracts with someone like Specsavers for this.
bars_and_plates@reddit
Controversial take - I genuinely think that the vast majority of people would be better off focusing on how to find a better paid job or freelance etc rather than trying to play employment law.
A min wage job with a month full sick pay still pays less than a decent job and taking a month out unpaid.
WantsToDieBadly@reddit
the problem is once you get into debates with employment law etc with your employer its almost game over, HR will see you as the problem
bars_and_plates@reddit
Yes, there is that element as well.
If you are at the point where you are asking "what can I force someone to do" vs. "what can I convince someone to do" then you are probably not managing your career properly.
WantsToDieBadly@reddit
Not even that but if your having a problem with a manager say your being bullied or something HR or the company will often side with the manager as their either embedded deep in the business, have connections with senior management or are more of a burden to get rid off compared to regular employees
Alert_Mine7067@reddit
You can't legally be sacked on the spot, a process needs to be followed, if a manager says that you will be sacked (or be given any sanction) before any formal proceedings have started, then the outcome of a disciplinary has been pre empted without being fairly assessed, and this could be taken to a tribunal.
Unfair dismissal can only be pursued if you've worked for an employer for 2 years or more (1 year in Northern Ireland). If you suspect the dismissal is due to a protected characteristic, such as age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender assignment, disability, religion, pregnancy etc. then the 1 / 2 year rule doesn't apply and unfair dismissal can be pursued immediately.
Your employer must supply PPE and ensure it is fit for purpose, they must also have a system in place for reporting health and safety issues.
SkarbOna@reddit
On the flip side, if something pissed you off out of this world and you told your manager to suck your baals, he can’t fire you on the spot either, nor you saying you hate this fucking place and not coming back ever will be taken seriously. You’ll need a cool off period after which you’ll be smacked in your head by your wife to go back and apologise, and you should be able to keep your job. If they will fire you for that - tribunal.
Alert_Mine7067@reddit
Absolutely, I recall that if you do something like that and it's out of character and said due to stress then it shouldn't be taken seriously.
MoneyManLewis4267@reddit
You have a legal right to request flexibly working such as remote work or adjusted hours... right from day one. The employer must genuinely consider it carefully.
Suspicious_Flower_0@reddit
I asked. They said I wasn't allowed to continually rearrange my own cupboards so I have to come into work.
Sucks.
when_music_hits@reddit
You asked the wrong person! Usurp HR and take the whole country to a tribunal.
Dazz316@reddit
The laws say they must, there no way to prove anyone didn't
GreyFox_1337@reddit
You can quit without giving a notice. On the spot. No handover. Just an email and you leave.
sennalvera@reddit
Well, you can. We don't have slavery anymore, no one can be forced to work. But failing to give and work notice is a breach of contract and if it causes the company to lose out financially they may sue you to recoup those costs. Such as if they had to pay an expensive agency worker to cover what would have been your notice period. Not likely to be an issue for the average McWorker, but still.
AceNova2217@reddit
This one's dangerous, as that company doesn't have to hire you again, should you want to come back.
Of course if you hate the place, you'd probably be glad to hear that.
TooLittleGravitas@reddit
That there are several changes as of today, e.g. day 1 sick pay
ExplodingDogs82@reddit
In the UK, if you become sick during your annual leave, you can reclaim those holiday days, as long as you follow the correct process.
This is supported by UK law and confirmed by official guidance.
when_music_hits@reddit
Being able to claim for clothes, transport, tools.
Knowing the rules work both ways, every probation period isn't just for employers, and knowing any contract of employment isn't worth the paper it's printed on
RealisticL3af@reddit
wait can you expand?
funnystuff79@reddit
Companies may give you a 3 month or 6 month probation, but it's really the Governments workers rights bill that determine how long you work before you're given legal protections etc.
Rights around paid/unpaid maternity leave have just been updated and supersede what maybe in your contract
RealisticL3af@reddit
i meant about claiming for clothes etc sorry
funnystuff79@reddit
Hope someone else can expand. Otherwise the government website is good
when_music_hits@reddit
Wait wot
WingingItSince87@reddit
What that about employment contract?
Thoughtless-Test@reddit
This like massivly this
SeeSore@reddit
Just because you didn’t sign a contract of employment doesn’t mean you don’t have a contract.
Did the work? Accepted the pay? Didn’t question the terms? All point towards having a contract.
Signature is nice to have but nothing more.
Firthy2002@reddit
I think Scots law is a bit different but this definitely applies in England and Wales
FireFingers1992@reddit
The law is changing around unfair dismissal. From Jan next year it starts from six months instead of two years.
Also, join your union. They are the only people who can action real progressive change at work. And if you want a strong, proactive union, be a strong and proactive part of it. You get out what you put in.
NotoriousP_U_G@reddit
If you’re being made redundant or getting fired, make a subject access request. Chances of someone saying something that mentions you in those situations in slack/teams etc, that gives you a claim of wrongful dismissal is high.
You will likely be paid off with respect to firing, or, have a larger redundancy pay out, to stop legal action
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