Employees in the United Kingdom have a number of important employment rights. You should have equal opportunities in locating and obtaining employment. You have the right to a workplace that is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination. When these employment rights are violated, that employee may have a legal claim that entitles them to compensation.

An employment solicitor can explain your employment rights and help you bring any available claims. Our solicitors specialise in employment disputes and are qualified to negotiate with employers as well as make applications to the Employment Tribunal. Time limits and other criteria can affect your ability to enforce your employment rights. If you feel your employment rights have been infringed upon, you should immediately seek the assistance of an experienced solicitor.

Despite strong legislation, discrimination in the workplace remains a serious issue in the UK and throughout the world. It is illegal to discriminate against job applicants or employees on the basis of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy or disability. Unfortunately, discrimination still occurs and as an employee, you have the right to bring a claim to the Employment Tribunal if you are the victim of discrimination.

If you are selected for redundancy and subsequently dismissed, you may be entitled to a redundancy payment. Redundancy is the dismissal of an employee because the business is closing or because the services of someone with the employee's skills are no longer needed. To qualify for a redundancy payment, you must have been employed by the business for a minimum of two years.

Sometimes an employee's resignation is considered involuntary in the eyes of the law. If an employee resigns because they are being subjected to abuse, unfair treatment or a hostile work environment, that is considered constructive dismissal. Claims of constructive dismissal can be brought to an Employment Tribunal and compensation may be awarded.

Workplace bullying can range anywhere from constant criticism to physical attacks. Any behaviour that creates a hostile, degrading or threatening work environment could be considered workplace bullying. Employees have a right to be free from this type of abusive treatment. You could be the victim of workplace bullying if you are being subjected to such things as unfair complaints about your quality of work, berating, overly burdensome workloads or assignments beneath your level of experience.

When some or all of a business is transferred to a new employer, the employees of that business retain certain rights. As employees of the new employer, they are entitled to maintain the same terms and conditions of employment. They also have a right to the continuation of their employment. These rights are enforced through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

The law protects employees who come forward to report wrongdoing in their place of employment. You cannot be treated unfairly or dismissed for "whistleblowing," the common term for making a public disclosure about illegal, unethical or unsafe occurrences in the workplace. Working Time Regulations

You cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week. The Working Time Regulations also entitle employees to rest breaks, time off and paid leave. Special provisions are made for night workers as well. Employers must abide by the requirements of these regulations, and it is unlawful for an employer to fire you for refusing to work more than 48 hours.

Our solicitors take cases on a no win no fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing if your solicitor does not win your case. Contact us today for free advice about your rights as an employee or to discuss a potential claim. There are no charges or further obligations for your consultation. Simply complete the contact form or call us on our helpline.