If you’re an employee in the UK, then you’re entitled to certain protections under law. Your employee is legally obliged to ensure that your working environment is safe, and that your employment is reasonably secure. On top of this, there are the extra duties set to be imposed by the incoming Employment Rights Bill.
It’s worth being aware of the key rights you enjoy. So, what are they?
Your Right to a Safe and Protected Workplace
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) obliges employers to provide a safe working environment. This means that you should be protected, where reasonably practicable, against physical threats, like falling objects. But it also covers more subtle threats, like the postural problems that might arise from sitting at a desk, and the diseases that might spread in a toilet that isn’t clean.
When Accidents Happen: Support and Compensation
If you suffer a personal injury as a result of an accident at work, then you might be able to claim compensation. Involve a solicitor as early as possible, as you’ll typically have just three years to make a claim. Note that your employer is legally forbidden from punishing you for taking this step.
Understanding Sick Pay and Financial Support
Statutory Sick Pay currently stands at £118.75 per week. It’s paid by your employer for up to twenty-eight weeks. To get it, you’ll need to have been earning at least £125 per week, and you’ll need to have been ill for more than three consecutive days.
Fair Treatment During Recovery and Return to Work
You’ll need to be treated fairly as you return to work. Your employer should take reasonable steps to accommodate you. This might mean rearranging your desk in order to allow you to work effectively.
The only instances where this isn’t the case are where so-called ‘objective’ discrimination is called for. For example, if you’re a brain surgeon, then a deterioration in your eyesight might be grounds for you to be turned away.
Speaking Up: Reporting Concerns Safely
If you have concerns about your working environment, then it’s a good idea to first raise them internally. Make sure that you have a record of this. Getting the message across in writing will allow you to demonstrate that you’ve made the report, should you wish to take further action later on. Be respectful and courteous, and you’re more likely to get good results.
Why Knowing Your Rights Helps You Thrive
Understanding your rights can empower you to take action when you’re being mistreated. But it can also improve your relationship with a good employer. You’ll know exactly where the boundaries lie, which means that you won’t worry about the possibility of being mistreated in the future.
