Discrimination

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, religion or belief

political opinion, disability, age or sexual orientation is prohibited

in Northern Ireland.

You are also protected under EU Law. The principle of equal treatment between women and men is well established by an important body of Community law, in particular in Council Directive.

The principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions is enshrined

in NI Employment Law.

 Please let us know your concerns

 with an email or quick call.

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Payment

Under law, duty to pay wages is a fundamental obligation of employers.  The rule of law is that your wages must be paid if, as an employee you are available for work.

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 If your employer makes a deduction from your wages without your consent, it is unlawful unless required or authorized by statute or you have, as a worker,agreed it.

You are protected by law

regarding equal pay, maternity, paternity and holiday pay, sick pay and pay statements. Your employer must also pay equal pay to male and female employees (for the same work). Please contact us for more details.

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Bullying

Bullying is not acceptable in the workplace and can be unlawful most cases.  

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You have a statutory right to make an official complaint if you have been subjected to harassment, bullying, unpleasant or degrading treatment by a manager, work colleague or customer. 

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Examples of this behavior may be unfairness, rude or nasty comments, treated differently, indignity, discrimination, unsafe working conditions or offensive

language towards you. All or most of this behavior is unlawful and must be addressed by your employer. Give us a call or send us an email for advice.

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UNFAIR DISMISSAL

If you are surprised that your employer has dismissed you, it is more than likely that you have been unfairly dismissed. If you have been dismissed unlawfully you could be entitled to a substantial compensation payment for this unlawful action.  We need to hear from you as soon as possible. Contact us free of charge for initial advice.

FLEXIBLE WORKING

You have the right to  flexible working arrangements if you are looking after children with disabilities or a family member with a disability. You also have the right to take unpaid time off to look after dependents in an emergency, children with autistic disorders, learning difficulties, hearing or sight impairment. Cancer, HIV, and multiple sclerosis

automatically count as disabilities. Please contact us for information.

CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL

Constructive Dismissal is where your employer has committed a serious breach of contract, forcing you  to resign in response to your employer’s conduct. Your dismissal could be unfair if your employer doesn't have a good reason for dismissing you or if you are refused flexible working arrangements or rest breaks, if you join a trade union, expose wrongdoing. Contact us if you are seriously thinking about walking out on your job for any of these reasons. 

TUPE

If your company is bought, sold or involved in a transfer that qualifies you for TUPE PROTECTION you would be guaranteed that: (1) your job transfers to the new company; (2) your employment terms and conditions transfer, and; (3) continuity of employment is maintained. 

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 If the company you work for is going through a business transfer or takeover, both the transferring employer and new employer have a responsibility to inform and consult with employees who may be affected by the transfer.

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Please email us or call for more information.

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DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

Employees  with disabilities have the same employment rights as other job seekers and employees.

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 Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for an employee with a disability if the following conditions apply; you are, disadvantaged compared to people who do not have a disability; your employer knows, or could reasonably be expected to know that the employee with a disability is disabled and is suffering the disadvantage, or is likely to at some stage.

Please contact us for more information.

HARASSMENT

Harassment comes in many different forms.  however, in general harassment is where someone creates an atmosphere that makes you feel uncomfortable. This could be because you feel offended, intimidated or humiliated. Unfortunately there is no Harassment Act in Northern Ireland as yet. However, there are other protections if you are verbally abused or asked  personal, private questions, forced to listen to jokes of a sexual nature that are offensive  and many more. Even if your colleagues say the behaviour was just friendly banter, it may well be unlawful under equality legislation.

Please email us for more information.