Navigating Workplace Disputes: An Employee's Guide
A guide to employment rights in the UK — unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, settlement agreements, and the employment tribunal. What applies from day one and what requires qualifying service.
Navigating Workplace Disputes: An Employee's Guide
Most people spend more of their waking hours at work than anywhere else. When something goes wrong at work, the impact on your life is immediate and significant.
Rights That Apply From Day One
- Protection against unlawful discrimination
- Protection against automatic unfair dismissal for whistleblowing, pregnancy, or trade union activity
- The right to the National Minimum Wage
- Working Time Regulations protections
Rights That Require Two Years of Continuous Employment
- The right to claim ordinary unfair dismissal
- The right to a statutory redundancy payment
The Employment Tribunal
There are strict time limits. An unfair dismissal or redundancy claim must be submitted within three months less one day of the dismissal. Missing the time limit will almost always result in the claim being rejected.
Settlement Agreements
When an employer wants to terminate employment on agreed terms, they will often offer a settlement agreement. You are required by law to take independent legal advice on a settlement agreement before signing it.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.
Need Professional Legal Help?
This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation, instruct a Direct Access barrister.