Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment with various laws in the United Kingdom regulating health and safety in the workplace.
However, workplace issues do arise and when they do, understanding complex employment laws can be challenging, especially for employees who typically rely on their job and income. Dealing with a negative workplace can be daunting but getting expert legal advice can help workers navigate the best way forward.
Whether you seek guidance on a workplace agreement or need representation in the Employment Tribunal, we have the skills and expertise to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We can provide specialist advice for a range of employment disputes.
Discrimination
Employment law prohibits discrimination based on several protected characteristics. These include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex and sexual orientation
Discrimination means treating a person less favourably than someone else because of protected characteristics such as those described above. Discrimination may be direct or indirect. Employers are prohibited from discriminating unfairly when making decisions about hiring, promoting, demoting, firing, training, providing benefits and more. If you are experiencing discrimination in your workplace, there are legal options available. We can review your situation and advise on the steps you can take.
Workplace bullying and harassment
Employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment and bullying, and employers are obligated to address complaints and take appropriate action. Failure to do so can have legal consequences. Bullying and harassment can include a range of behaviours such as unwanted touching or offensive jokes and comments, unwanted sexual advances, and being humiliated in front of colleagues.
Unfair or wrongful dismissal
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is dismissed for reasons that are deemed unfair according to employment law. Specific examples include dismissals related to pregnancy, trade union membership, asserting minimum wage rights, or refusing to perform unsafe work. If you believe you have performed your job satisfactorily, but your employment has been unfairly terminated, you may have an unfair dismissal case.
Constructive dismissal
Constructive dismissal can occur when an employer’s actions create such an intolerable work environment that the employee is forced to resign. In such cases, the law may see your resignation as a form of unfair dismissal. This is a complex area of law and difficult to prove, requiring a serious breach of contract by the employer.
Settlement agreements or compromise agreements
A settlement agreement is an agreement between an employer and an employee to settle certain matters, usually before a worker leaves their employment. The employee effectively waives their right to make a claim against the employer or go to a tribunal in exchange for an agreed amount known as a settlement. Sometimes settlement agreements are entered into to resolve an issue between the parties and the employment continues thereafter.
If you have been offered a settlement or compromise agreement to resolve your employment dispute, we can review the terms to make sure it is fair and adequately protects your rights.
Contractual advice and restrictive covenants
We also provide guidance on employment contracts and the enforceability of restrictive covenants, such as non-compete clauses.
CAPA Law Solicitor’s experienced employment law team will listen carefully to your concerns and endeavour to resolve your workplace dispute while preserving your employment rights. Based in Liverpool, we can offer alternative funding solutions for your employment claim and each claim is handled by a qualified solicitor.
For help, call 0151 662 0345 or email: [email protected].