Employment law can be confusing, however, there are many aspects of employment law that you should be aware of in order to protect yourself if things go wrong. Employers have a duty of care to employees and there are certain rules that they are required to abide by. There has been significant reform in this area and subsequently there are elements of the law that you should acquaint yourselves with:
- The National Living Wage: the introduction of the national living wage is an important and significant step in ensuring that you are, at the very least, receiving the minimum wage as set out by the government. If you are over 25, you have a right to receive the national living wage and your employer is not allowed to avoid this payment by outsourcing your work to someone who is under the age of 25. Seek advice if you are over 25 and are not being paid the national living wage.
- Holiday Pay: If you are employed, you are entitled to paid holiday, regardless of whether you are in full or part time employment. Your holiday entitlement does depend on how many days you work so if you work a full five-day week, you have a right to 28 days’ holiday per year. Check your holiday entitlement and make sure you are receiving the correct, paid number of days.
- Maternity Leave: You can take up to a year’s maternity leave and it doesn’t matter how long you have worked for your employer to get this. People who work zero-hours contracts, casual and agency workers, are classed as ‘workers’ and are not entitled to maternity leave. If you are entitled to maternity leave and have been refused this by your employer, seek advice. You are entitled to it if you are currently working or if you have recently left employment.
- Maternity Pay; There are different types of maternity pay which range from statutory payments, to a maternity allowance. The minimum that your employer can offer you from a legal perspective is statutory maternity pay.
- Paternity Pay: Every new father is entitled to up to two weeks’ paternity leave. There are certain criteria that you need to meet in order to receive this entitlement including working for your employer for at least 26 weeks.
If you are unsure what you’re entitled to, please contact us now. Employment law is there to protect you so make sure you know your legal rights. Are you dealing with an employment law issue at your place of work? Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our employment law advisors.