E MPLOYMENT R IGHTS Date: L.O. To be able to describe the rights of workers. To be able to explain what workers can do if they do not get their rights. Homework: What information should an employer provide you before you apply for a job?

S TARTER : W HAT RIGHTS DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE AT WORK ? All workers: e.g. A lunch break Job specific: e.g. Protective clothing

S TATUTORY AND C ONTRACTUAL R IGHTS Both employers and employees have legal rights and responsibilities at work. Effectively, an employee’s rights are an employer’s responsibilities and vice versa. These rights can be statutory or contractual. Contractual rights, on the other hand, differ from job to job. They are agreed by an employer and employee and are specified in that employee’s contract of employment. Statutory rights are passed by parliament and apply to everyone in the world of work. They guarantee things like an employee’s right to safety in the workplace (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and the employee’s right to view any personal information held by an employer about him or her (Data Protection Act 1998).

W ORKING RIGHTS FOR FULL - TIME EMPLOYEES

A GE, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At times, things may not run smoothly in the workplace. However, if the problem is quite minor and can be easily solved, most of the time it suffices to ask another, more experienced colleague for help. Can you think of any instances when you might need to speak to one of your colleagues about a minor workplace worry? M INOR WORKPLACE WORRIES When you start work, you will need to act responsibly and show a mature and sensible attitude towards your colleagues at all times. You never know when you may need them!

Bigger problems are more complicated. Many workplaces will have somebody specially trained and paid to deal with staff concerns. This person will be the Personnel Manager. If your Personnel Manager can’t help you, he or she will be able to tell you who can. This branch of employment is known as Human Resources (HR). Human Resources is usually the department responsible for interviewing you. S ERIOUS WORKPLACE DISPUTES Can you think of any situations which might arise where you would need to speak to a Personnel Manager?

W HAT WOULD YOU DO ?

In most workplaces there will be colleagues who form part of a group or association for staff. This may be an in-house, regional, or nationwide association. They will try to find a solution. They are experienced at negotiating difficult issues. They have up to date knowledge of legal and financial issues. P ROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS In many cases you will also be able to join a union. A union is a similar group of people who may act as lawyers to help you with difficult issues. Professional associations and trade unions act as a ‘go- between’ for staff and employers.

P ROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS

W HO WANTS TO BE AN A GRADE STUDENT ?

If you feel someone is not being treated fairly in the workplace, there may be an instance of inequality or stereotyping. What examples of stereotyping can you think of in relation to gender, race, disability, education and age? How might you, or others, successfully challenge discriminatory behaviour in the workplace? Equal opportunities and discrimination

PLENARY: Practice question: “All people doing the same job should be paid the same” Do you agree? Explain your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. (6) I agree / disagree / partly agree because ……. (1-2) Some people would disagree because ……. (3-4) Other people might agree because …….. (5-6)

Who wants to be an A grade student?