Employment law encompasses a wide range of elements - from employment contracts to dismissal and everything that comes in between. A large number of businesses find it valuable to get the services of one of the employment solicitors in London or employment law service to help ensure that they stay within the law.
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Complying with employment law keeps the workforce satisfied and more productive, and saves employer the cost and stress of employment tribunal claims.
Employment contracts and statutory requirements
Every employee has a contract, whether it is in writing or not. As an employer, you are legally obliged to provide a written statement of the main terms and conditions. Changing the terms of the contract without the employee's agreement can be a breach of contract.
Irrespective of the contract, a business must comply with minimum statutory requirements in regard to pay, hours of work and annual leave. These include the minimum wage, the working time regulations covering maximum working hours, and annual paid holiday entitlements. Other entitlements include statutory sick pay for qualifying employees.
Employers must take care of a wide range of employee privileges. These rights include providing employees with a healthy and safe working environment, enabling them to belong to a trade union and providing pay statements.
Pregnant women and new mothers have major rights to time off both before and after giving birth. If they have been employed long enough, they also qualify for statutory maternity pay. Similar rights apply to adoptive parents and new fathers.
Critically, employees are safeguarded against discrimination on the terms of race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin, age, disability and religion or philosophical beliefs. It is also illegal to discriminate against anyone on grounds of their sex (including gender re-assignment) or marital status (including civil partnerships), or on the grounds of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Employers can also be held liable for any discrimination or victimisation by their employees or visitors to their premises. Disgruntled employees may well try to claim illegal discrimination; an employment tribunal can award unlimited damages.
In case of any non-compliance, one can file a lawsuit against the employment and this is when it becomes necessary to hire one of the employment solicitors in London who can deal with the case proficiently. Larger businesses must notify and consult employees or their representatives before applying major changes or dismissals. Even if you don’t get affected by this requirement, it's always a best practice to keep employees informed and involved in crucial decisions.
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