Navigating employment law in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially with frequent changes in legislation. Whether you’re an employer seeking to stay compliant or an employee seeking to understand your rights, a clear, expert-backed overview is essential.
This guide breaks down key areas of employment law to help you make informed decisions, avoid legal pitfalls and foster a fair workplace. As employment law solicitors, DPH Legal offers professional advice grounded in real-world experience.
What is Employment Law?
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees. It outlines the rights, responsibilities and protections on both sides, from recruitment and contracts to workplace disputes and termination.
It ensures fair treatment, prevents discrimination and sets standards for wages, working hours and health and safety.
Key areas include:
- Employment contracts
- Employee rights and entitlements
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Redundancy and dismissal
- Discrimination and harassment
Why Does Employment Law Matter?
Understanding employment law benefits everyone involved in the workplace. It helps:
- Employers maintain compliance and reduce the risk of costly legal issues
- Employees protect their rights and understand their obligations
- HR professionals create fair, legally sound workplace policies
Having a clear employment law guide reduces conflict, promotes transparency and builds trust between employees and management.
Employment Contracts
Every employee is entitled to a written statement of terms from day one. A well-drafted employment contract sets clear expectations and helps avoid disputes later on.
An employment contract should include:
- Job title and duties
- Salary and payment details
- Working hours
- Holiday entitlement
- Notice periods
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Employee Rights in the UK
Employees in the UK benefit from a wide range of statutory rights, even before they sign a contract. Understanding these is key to avoiding legal disputes and fostering a supportive workplace.
Core employment rights include:
- National minimum wage or living wage
- Paid holiday
- Statutory sick pay
- Maternity, paternity and parental leave
- Right to request flexible working
- Protection from discrimination
Discrimination and Equality
The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from unfair treatment based on protected characteristics, including:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Employers must actively prevent workplace discrimination. This includes policies, training and swift action when complaints arise.
Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination occurs when a person with a physical or mental impairment is treated unfairly because of their condition.
Types of disability discrimination:
- Direct: Treating someone less favourably because of their disability
- Indirect: Policies that disadvantage disabled individuals
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments
- Harassment related to a disability
- Victimisation following a complaint or claim
Harassment and Victimisation
Harassment refers to unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating environment.
Victimisation happens when someone is treated badly because they made or supported a complaint of discrimination.
Examples include:
- Verbal abuse or offensive jokes
- Denial of promotions or training
- Hostile work environment
Employers should respond quickly and thoroughly to all complaints.
Equal Pay
The law mandates equal pay for equal work. Gender should never affect earnings if the role, responsibilities and skills are comparable.
Covered elements include:
- Basic pay
- Bonuses
- Pensions
- Holidays and perks
Unequal pay is one of the most common employment law violations.
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
Clear disciplinary and grievance procedures help resolve workplace issues fairly and legally.
Employers must:
- Follow ACAS Code of Practice
- Document procedures in employment contracts or handbooks
- Conduct investigations fairly
- Allow employees to be accompanied to meetings
Employees should raise concerns internally first, and can escalate issues to an employment tribunal if needed. Seeking legal guidance at the first sign of conflict can prevent escalation.
Redundancy and Dismissal
Ending employment can be challenging for both parties. UK law requires fair procedures and notice periods for redundancy and dismissal.
Redundancy laws include:
- Genuine business reason
- Fair selection criteria
- Consultation process
- Redundancy pay
Unfair dismissal can occur when an employee is let go without a valid reason or proper procedure. Constructive dismissal arises when an employee resigns due to the employer’s serious breach of contract.
Settlement Agreements
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract that ends the employment relationship, typically with compensation.
Common scenarios:
- Redundancy
- Workplace disputes
- Avoiding a tribunal
These agreements often include clauses about confidentiality reference terms and waiving legal claims. At DPH Legal, we ensure your rights are protected before you sign.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowers are protected under UK law if they report wrongdoing that affects the public interest, such as:
- Criminal activity
- Health and Safety breaches
- Environmental harm
- Corporate fraud
Whistleblower protection includes:
- Protection from dismissal
- Freedom from bullying or retaliation
- Access to employment tribunals if treated unfairly
Employment Tribunals
If a workplace dispute can’t be resolved internally, employees may file a claim at an employment tribunal. This independent body hears cases related to unfair dismissal, discrimination, pay dispute and more.
Tribunal process includes:
- Early conciliation via ACAS
- Submitting a claim within time limits
- Employer’s response
- Preliminary hearing (if needed)
- Tribunal hearing and outcome
Need Advice? Contact DPH Legal
Employment law is complex but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether you’re reviewing a contract, facing a tribunal or managing a redundancy, DPH Legal offers trusted, responsive support.
Call us today or book a consultation online to get expert advice from our employment law specialists.
