Liverpool

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Employment Rights

An introduction to employee rights in the UK, such as minimum wage, working hours, and workplace discrimination laws.

Sections

1. Minimum Wage

The UK has a statutory minimum wage that employers must pay, which is updated annually. The rates depend on the worker's age and employment status (e.g., apprentice or not). As of April 2023, the rates are:

  • National Living Wage (23 years and over): £10.42 per hour
  • 21–22 years: £10.18 per hour
  • 18–20 years: £7.49 per hour
  • Under 18 years: £5.28 per hour
  • Apprentices (under 19 or in the first year of apprenticeship): £5.28 per hour

Employers in Liverpool are legally required to comply with these rates. If you believe you are being underpaid, you can report this to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) via the UK Government website.

2. Working Hours

The UK has laws governing working hours under the Working Time Regulations 1998:

  • Maximum Weekly Hours: You cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours per week on average (calculated over 17 weeks). You can opt out of this limit in writing if you wish.
  • Rest Breaks: You are entitled to:
    • A 20-minute break if your shift is longer than 6 hours.
    • 11 hours of rest between working days.
    • At least one day off per week (or two days off per fortnight).
  • Night Work: If you work at night, your hours are generally limited to 8 hours in a 24-hour period, and you may be entitled to regular health assessments.

3. Holiday Entitlements

Under the Working Time Regulations, all workers are entitled to paid annual leave:

  • Statutory Entitlement: 5.6 weeks (28 days) per year for full-time workers. This includes public holidays, but employers can choose whether to include them as part of the entitlement.
  • Part-Time Workers: Entitlement is pro-rata based on the number of days or hours worked.

Employers in Liverpool may offer additional leave as part of their contracts, so check your employment agreement for details.

4. Sick Pay

If you are unable to work due to illness, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP):

  • Eligibility: You must earn at least £123 per week and have been off work for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days).
  • Rate: £109.40 per week (as of 2023), paid for up to 28 weeks.
  • Employer’s Sick Pay Scheme: Some employers in Liverpool may offer enhanced sick pay, so check your contract for details.

If you are not eligible for SSP, you may be able to apply for other benefits, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

5. Discrimination Laws

The Equality Act 2010 protects workers in Liverpool and across the UK from discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal for employers to discriminate based on:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage or civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

Discrimination can occur during recruitment, employment, or termination. If you experience discrimination, you can file a grievance with your employer or take legal action through an employment tribunal.

6. Termination Rights

Your rights when your employment is terminated depend on the circumstances:

  • Notice Period: Employers must provide a minimum notice period:
    • 1 week if employed for less than 2 years.
    • 1 week for each year of employment (up to 12 weeks) if employed for 2 years or more.
  • Unfair Dismissal: If you have been employed for at least 2 years, you are protected against unfair dismissal. Grounds for dismissal must be fair (e.g., misconduct, redundancy, or inability to perform the job).
  • Redundancy Pay: If you are made redundant after 2 years of service, you are entitled to statutory redundancy pay based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay (capped at £643 per week as of 2023).

If you believe you were unfairly dismissed, you can file a claim with an employment tribunal.

7. Procedures for Addressing Workplace Disputes

If you encounter issues at work, follow these steps:

  1. Raise the Issue Informally: Speak to your manager or HR department to resolve the issue amicably.
  2. File a Grievance: If the issue persists, submit a formal grievance in writing to your employer.
  3. Seek Mediation: Use services like Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free mediation and advice.
  4. Employment Tribunal: If the dispute cannot be resolved, you can file a claim with an employment tribunal. You must first notify Acas, which will offer early conciliation. Tribunal claims must be filed within 3 months less one day of the incident.

8. Local Resources and Organizations in Liverpool

Here are some local resources to assist with employment-related issues:

  • Citizens Advice Liverpool

    • Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
    • Services: Free advice on employment rights, discrimination, and workplace disputes.
    • Location: 2nd Floor, 1 Union Court, Cook Street, Liverpool, L2 4SJ.

  • Liverpool Law Centre

    • Website: www.liverpoollawcentre.org.uk
    • Services: Legal advice and representation for employment disputes, including unfair dismissal and discrimination cases.

  • Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

    • Website: www.acas.org.uk
    • Services: Free advice on employment rights, mediation, and early conciliation for tribunal claims.

  • Trade Unions:

    • Joining a trade union can provide additional support and representation. Major unions in Liverpool include Unite the Union and Unison.

9. Costs

  • Legal Advice: Many organizations, such as Citizens Advice and Liverpool Law Centre, offer free or low-cost advice. Private solicitors may charge £150–£300 per hour.
  • Employment Tribunal Fees: There are no fees to file a claim with an employment tribunal, but you may incur legal costs if you hire a solicitor.
  • Acas Services: Free of charge.

10. Cultural and Regional Considerations

  • Liverpool has a strong history of trade unionism and workers' rights advocacy. Many workers in the city are unionized, and unions play an active role in supporting employees.
  • The city is known for its friendly and approachable culture, so informal resolution of workplace disputes is often encouraged before escalating to formal procedures.

This guide should provide you with a solid understanding of your employment rights in Liverpool. If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to the local resources mentioned above.