No matter how big or small your company is, if you employ members of staff, you should be aware of these employment law must-knows. There are dozens of different acts and regulations included in employment law that employers must follow. These include health and safety regulations, sick pay, employment contracts and statutory rights.
All businesses in the UK are responsible for following the rules and regulations set out by employment law. Not only does employment law exist to protect your employees, but it can also safeguard your business and help you to solve disputes. To help you get to grips with employment law, we’ve come up with some employment law must-knows that all UK businesses should know. Keep reading below to find out more:
Statutory Rights
All businesses need to make sure that they comply with the statutory rights of their employees. Employees have a number of rights, including:
- The right to a written contract
- The right to be paid minimum wage (or above)
- The right to an itemised payslip
- The right to 28 days paid holiday a year (this includes bank holidays)
- They may also have the right to be paid maternity or paternity leave
Businesses who don’t follow the rules and regulations set out in employment law may find themselves being taken to an employment tribunal. If your business is in this position, or you want advice on how to put employment law in place in your business, then it’s a great idea to contact a professional law service. For example, Herries-Smith has over 20 years of experience in employment law High Wycombe. They tailor their service to meet your needs and will help you to make sure that your business meets all of its legal responsibilities and rights.
Freelance Workers
When it comes to employing freelance or agency workers, the rules are different again. However, they still have a number of rights, including:
- The right to be paid minimum wage (or higher)
- Limits on the number of hours they work
- To work in an environment that has the correct health and safety procedures in place
If your business employs freelance or agency workers, then it’s a brilliant idea to create an employee handbook. In this handbook, you should include information and guidance for new employees. Not only will this book set out what you expect from your employees, but it can also be used to help resolve disputes.
Contracts
A contract is an important document for you and your employee. All contracts need to include:
- Employee responsibilities and duties
- Employee rights
- Employment conditions
- Implied terms
- A written statement of employment particulars
- Collective agreements
An Overview of Employment Law Must-Knows
Some of the main responsibilities for employers in relation to employment law include:
- You must provide your employees with an itemised, written statement of their pay
- You must offer sick pay to your employee if they are off ill for more than four days in a row
- You must enrol your employees into a workplace pension scheme (unless they are under 21 years of age or they’re earning less than £10,000 per annum)
- You’re responsible for the wellbeing of your employees – this includes issues relating to maternity/paternity, bullying and adoption leave. You’re also responsible for the health and safety of your employees
- You must allow your employees to take time off in certain circumstances, e.g. in an emergency.
Employment law exists to protect your employees and safeguard your business. By complying with the relevant rules and regulations, you’re making sure that you’re providing a fair and safe environment for your employees to work in. Remember, legal action can be taken if an employee feels discriminated against.