There has been a lot of talk about the ‘trickle down’ effect in the news recently and how the average person is not benefitting from the economic recovery.
Many people coming into Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau struggle to make ends meet, and advisers help them prioritise their debts, contact creditors and sort out a financial plan to take them forward.
However, many still fear an uncertain future because they are insecure in their work and do now know their working rights. CAB knows this from client evidence, but also because the Basic Rights at Work section is the most visited page on our website.
So if you are being bullied by your boss, have been disciplined or dismissed, sick and sacked, or pregnant and not promoted, it is definitely worth a visit because you are protected by law.
Your rights include:
a written statement of terms and an itemised pay slip
being paid at least the national minimum wage
not to have illegal deductions made from pay
paid holiday
paid time off to look for work if being made redundant
paid time off for antenatal care
paid maternity and paternity leave
asking for flexible working to care for children or adult dependants
weekly and daily rests under health and safety law
not to be discriminated against
to claim compensation if unfairly dismissed
to claim redundancy pay if made redundant
the same contractual rights (pro-rata) for part-time employees as a comparable full-time worker
to the same contractual rights for fixed term workers as a comparable permanent employee
It is important you are aware of your rights, and if you think you have been treated unfairly, you have to pay upfront fees before you can take your grievances to an employment tribunal – these can total either £390 or £1,200.
The work section of Adviceguide contains a mass of useful information on your rights and also has links to fact sheets you can print off and show your boss.
Amanda McSorley joined the Research and Campaigns Team at Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau in February 2013. She is a former journalist and newspaper editor, with 30 years’ experience of covering the issues that impact people’s lives.
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!