Employment Law
Businesses can't just employ anybody who they want. They have to follow strict laws that are designed to make sure that the best person always gets the job.
These laws still apply once the person has got the job, to stop the business sacking people just because they feel like it.
These laws still apply once the person has got the job, to stop the business sacking people just because they feel like it.
Disability Discrimination Act
Businesses must not discriminate against people with a disability. That means if a disabled person applies for a job and has the right qualifications and experience, you cannot refuse to give them the job just because they are disabled.
If an existing employee becomes disabled while they are working for a business, reasonable adaptations must be made so that the disabled person can carry on working. For example, if a person ends up in a wheelchair because of a car accident, the business would have to make sure that the person does not have to climb any stairs as part of their job.
If an existing employee becomes disabled while they are working for a business, reasonable adaptations must be made so that the disabled person can carry on working. For example, if a person ends up in a wheelchair because of a car accident, the business would have to make sure that the person does not have to climb any stairs as part of their job.
Sex Discrimination Act
Businesses must always give a job to the best person. It doesn't matter if that person is male or female. So, a man can be a nurse, or a woman can be a builder, providing they have the right qualifications and the required experience. Job adverts therefore cannot specify that a man (or woman) is required). The advert can only say a 'person' is required.
You also cannot promote a man instead of a woman (or vice-versa) just because of their gender. And you definitely cannot refuse somebody a job or promotion just because they are pregnant!
You also cannot promote a man instead of a woman (or vice-versa) just because of their gender. And you definitely cannot refuse somebody a job or promotion just because they are pregnant!
There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this law. Actors and models do not have the full protection of the Sex Discrimination Act. This means that a business can advertise for a man to be Father Christmas, or they can advertise for a woman to play the part of a new barmaid in Hollyoaks.
Race Relations Act
The Race Relations Act protects different races and religions from being discriminated against. So a company can't employ somebody just because of their skin colour, or to put it in a different way, a business cannot refuse somebody a job or promotion just because they are a certain skin colour.
The law applies to all people, so a white person can be a victim as much as a black person.
The law applies to all people, so a white person can be a victim as much as a black person.
Equal Pay Act
In the olden days before computers and X-Box's and Justin Bieber, it was almost normal for men to be paid more than women, even if they did the same job. The Equal Pay Act put a stop to all that, so nowadays if a man and a woman are doing the same job, with the same amount of experience, they should both be paid the same. If they aren't, the company could be breaking the law.
Employment Act
The Employment Act covers lots of issues such as:
- All employees must be given a written contract within 2 months of starting a job. The contract should cover things like wages, holidays, sick pay and how long the job is for (e.g. 12 months or permanent).
- The act also gives men and women rights when a baby is born. Women are allowed maternity leave. Men are allowed paternity leave (remember it as mama & papa!).
- For more information about employment protection, click HERE.
Age Regulations
Up until a few years ago, men had to retire at 65 and women had to retire at 60. But 65 these days isn't that old anymore because people seem to live until they're 120!
So, because old people didn't want to retire and stop working for a living, a new law was brought out which meant that people can now carry on working for as long as they want, providing their employer still wants them to.
So, because old people didn't want to retire and stop working for a living, a new law was brought out which meant that people can now carry on working for as long as they want, providing their employer still wants them to.
Minimum Wage Regulations
Some countries in the world do not have a minimum wage. As a result, there is a lot of poverty as companies rip off their workers by paying them peanuts (not literally!).
The UK brought in a minimum wage in 1999. Since then, businesses have been required to pay a certain minimum hourly wage to all of their workers. To keep things fair as prices rise, the government increases the minimum wage amount every year. Some businesses don't like this, as that means they have higher costs and lower profits. These companies are know in business as 'proper tight'!! (I'm joking, but they are!).
The UK brought in a minimum wage in 1999. Since then, businesses have been required to pay a certain minimum hourly wage to all of their workers. To keep things fair as prices rise, the government increases the minimum wage amount every year. Some businesses don't like this, as that means they have higher costs and lower profits. These companies are know in business as 'proper tight'!! (I'm joking, but they are!).
Health & Safety at Work Act
This law protects workers (employees) from danger at work. Employers must train workers correctly, like when using machinery. They must also give workers protective equipment, like Hi-Visability jackets and hard-hats on building sites. Warning signs must also be displayed when dangerous chemicals are being used.
This law protects workers (employees) from danger at work. Employers must train workers correctly, like when using machinery. They must also give workers protective equipment, like Hi-Visability jackets and hard-hats on building sites. Warning signs must also be displayed when dangerous chemicals are being used.