Employment law exists to ensure fairness and security in the workplace. For employees, understanding these legal protections is essential, not only for safeguarding personal rights, but also for navigating workplace challenges with confidence.

Whether you’re starting a new job, facing an issue with your employer, or simply wanting to stay informed, this guide will cover key employment rights every worker should know.

Your Right to a Written Employment Statement

Before you step into a new job, you’re entitled to a written statement of employment terms. This document, which must be provided on or before your first working day, outlines key details such as:

  • Job title and description.

  • Salary and payment schedule.

  • Working hours and holiday entitlements.

  • Notice periods and disciplinary procedures.

Under Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, employers must ensure these terms are clear, enabling you to work under transparent conditions. If you’re uncertain about any contractual clauses, always seek clarification before signing your written statement of employment.

Protection Against Unfair Dismissal

From day one, employees are protected against unlawful dismissal based on discriminatory reasons, such as race, gender, disability, pregnancy, or trade union involvement.

After two years of continuous service, broader unfair dismissal rights apply meaning your employer cannot terminate your contract without a fair reason and proper procedure. Dismissals must follow correct processes. If you believe your dismissal was unjust, an employment tribunal may be an option.

Workplace Discrimination: Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination based on characteristics such as:

  • Age,

  • Gender reassignment,

  • Marriage and civil partnership,

  • Pregnancy and maternity,

  • Race,

  • Disability,

  • Sex,

  • Sexual orientation, and

  • Religion or belief.

Discrimination can take many forms including unequal pay, promotion bias, or harassment. If you face workplace discrimination, document incidents and report concerns to HR or legal professionals.

The Right to Equal Pay

Employees performing the same job with equal skill, effort, and responsibility must receive equal pay, regardless of gender. If you suspect pay inequality, request salary transparency within your workplace or seek legal guidance to challenge discrepancies.

Redundancy Rights & Fair Procedures

If your role is made redundant, your employer must follow fair selection criteria and consult with affected staff. Redundancy procedures should be transparent and based on objective factors. Employees with two years or more of service may be eligible for statutory redundancy pay, based on age and length of employment.

Health & Safety Protections

Your employer has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Protections include:

  • Risk assessments for hazardous workplaces.

  • Proper safety equipment (PPE).

  • Mental health support.

Employers have a responsibility for the well-being of their employees and where an employer fails in its duty of care towards an employee or your workplace conditions harm your health, you should report concerns and seek legal action if necessary.

Holiday & Sick Pay Entitlements

Employees are entitled to statutory annual leave, which amounts to 5.6 weeks per year in the UK (including bank holidays). Employers cannot deny paid leave or penalise you for taking time off.

Additionally, workers eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) can receive financial support during illness. If sick pay rights are unclear in your contract, request clarification to ensure proper entitlements.

Parental & Family Leave Rights

Employees expecting a child or responsible for family care have protected rights, including entitlement to:

  • Maternity & Paternity Leave,

  • Shared Parental Leave,

  • Adoption Leave,

  • Carer’s Leave, or

  • Neonatal Leave.

Employers cannot dismiss or penalise employees for taking statutory family leave. If issues arise, legal support may be required to challenge unfair treatment.

The Right to Join a Trade Union

Under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, employees have the right to join a trade union, participate in collective bargaining, and take industrial action. Employers cannot penalise against workers based on union membership.

Trade unions provide essential support in negotiations, grievance processes, and legal claims. If workplace disputes arise, union representation can strengthen your position.

Bringing an Employment Tribunal Claim

If your rights are breached, employment tribunals can provide legal recourse and compensation. Common tribunal cases include:

  • Unfair dismissal,

  • Discrimination and harassment,

  • Wage disputes, and

  • Breach of contract.

Before initiating a claim, employees must undergo ACAS early conciliation, aiming to resolve disputes without formal proceedings. Tribunal outcomes may include compensation, reinstatement, or legal declarations, ensuring workplace justice is upheld. If issues arise, legal support may be required to provide advice and representation for your employment tribunal claim.

Final Thoughts

Understanding employment rights is not just about legal compliance it’s about ensuring fairness in the workplace. Whether protecting yourself or others from discrimination, ensuring fair pay, or addressing wrongful or unfair dismissal, knowing your legal protections empowers you to take control of your career.

If you’re facing a workplace issue, seek advice from legal professionals. Knowledge is your best defence against injustice so stay informed, stand up for fairness, and protect your rights.

Farleys Solicitors specialise in HR & employment law for employees. We can provide advice on settlement agreements and representation on employment tribunal claims.

If you require HR & employment law advice and support in relation to any of the matters mentioned above, please contact us on 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, or use the online contact form below.