Quick guide to basic employment rights
31 October 2011
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If you employ staff, it is important to know what your obligations are to them. Some rights, for example for unfair dismissal and redundancy pay, are built up over a period of time, but others are effective from day one or very early on in the employment relationship. Here's a quick guide to your employees' basic rights.
All employees are entitled from day one to:
  • a statement showing how much they earn and any deductions made from your pay, when they will be paid and the method of payment

  • not have deductions made from pay unless they have agreed to them

  • a minimum wage

  • working time rights (including paid holiday)

  • equal pay with members of the opposite sex doing the same or a comparable job

  • not to be discriminated against for reasons of your sex, race or any disability, or for being a member of a trade union

  • work in a place which is safe.

After one month:

  • If you want to dismiss an employee, you have to give them at least one week's notice of dismissal,
After two months:
  • All employees are entitled to a written statement of your terms of employment, including pay, hours, where you are expected to work, holidays and other benefits such as pension entitlement.

  • It should also include details of any grievance or disciplinary procedures, if you employ more than 20 people.
From 1 October, agency workers who have worked for a company for more than 12 weeks will have the right to the same basic employment rights and working conditions as permanent employees. Find out more here.
 
For comprehensive employment and HR advice subscribe to Practical Employer, which includes a practical guide, templates and helpline support to help you navigate your way through the employment process – from recruitment through to dismissal.


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