The law and equal pay
Women used to paid a lower rate of pay then men before 1970, even if they were doing the same job. The Equal Pay Act 1970 and Equal Regulations 1983 are meant to stop this. Nowadays, if a women believes that she is being paid less then men’s she can make a claim against the organisation. These regulations give right to women’s basically.
Other statutory employment rights – There are large several employment laws that give rights to employees at work. Main ones are highlighted below:
The Employment Rights Act 1996 – This law gave all employees the right to a written contract within 2 months of starting work. It also gave the right to a minimum period of notice depending upon length of employment and the right to redundancy pay after two years.
The Employment Relations Act 1999 – This act is based on maternity leave and family leave in the case of an emergency. Under this law employers have to inform employees about the key decisions and the changes that will affect them.
The Employment Act 2002 – This law give rights to temporary workers for requesting flexible hours for the work and introduced family and friendly policies.
National Minimum Wage Act 998 – These regulations makes it illegal to pay employees less then the national minimum wage. Under this act employers must pay a minimum hourly wage to workers over the age of 18. National minimum wage was extended to workers aged 16 and 17 from 1 October 2004, this does not include apprentices aged 18.
Working Time Regulations 1998 – This act makes it illegal for employees aged 16 and 17 to work more then 48 hours per week, so employers cannot force them to work more then the limited time which is 48 hours. This act does not apply on workers aged 18, their limit is 40hours per week. Under this act most workers have a right to four weeks paid holiday.
Health and safety at work
All employers and employees have responsibilities relating to health and safety; they are highlighted below in Health and Safety Act 1974. Businesses with more than five employees must draw up a written safety policy and must have safety procedures that everyone must follow in order to prevent accidents at work place.
This act is forced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Inspectors can visit any industrial premises without warning to investigate an accident or complaint or to carry out a random check. The main requirements of the Act are highlighted below:
qThe Health and Safety at work Act 1974
- Under this act anyone that is covered by premises has some responsibilities whether they are employees, directors or supervisors.
- All employers’ needs to make sure that employees are following the health and safety precautions, because in a case of accident the employers will be responsible. They are also responsible for some other aspects such as:
- Safe entry and exit routes
- Safe working environment
- Safe equipment
- Information on health and safety
- Organisations that have more then 5 employees must have a written health and safety procedures. All employees must follow that policy.
- All employees requires to:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
- Cooperate with their employer and anyone acting on his or her behalf to meet health and safety requirements
- They should not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health.
