Written by The Greater Manchester Law Centre (June 2023)

Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC) is a community-based advice organisation that provides advice and support to people across Greater Manchester regarding their employment, housing and welfare rights. We would like to suggest 11 top tips for employees on how to make sure their rights are respected at work.

GMLC aims to help employees navigate the workplace and consider ways to develop constructive working relationships with their employers, while keeping themselves protected and in good ‘working’ health. The Good Employment Charter promotes good practice for employers. We would like to contribute to the Charter by offering good practice ideas for employees. Prevention is better than cure, so here are our top recommendations for creating a positive work experience.

Join a Union:

Unions can advocate for your rights and support you during workplace issues. They provide guidance, representation, and collective bargaining power. When things go wrong, your Union representative can step in, accompany you in meetings and help you and your employer to find solutions. Unions can also build power in the workplace by involving you in discussions about collective action you and your colleagues could take to improve your pay and conditions.

Know Your Basic Rights:

Familiarise yourself with employment laws to ensure fair treatment. Be aware of the National Minimum Wage, working hours, holiday entitlement, sick pay and other essential rights. For example: Do you have contractual sick pay? Are there conditions that apply before you are entitled to that? It’s a good idea to know the answers to those kinds of questions. You can find more about your rights as a worker or employee on the Acas website.

Ask for and Keep a Copy of Your Contract:

The most important document that sets out the duties and responsibilities for both you and your employer is your contract of employment. Your employer should provide you with a copy when you start work. If they do not, then make sure you request a copy of your employment contract to understand your terms, conditions and responsibilities. Keep it in a safe place for future reference.

If your contract was not in writing and was made verbally, you should still be given a written statement of certain particulars on or before your first day of work.

Expect and Keep Your Payslips:

Regularly receive and retain your payslips to ensure accurate payment. They serve as evidence of your earnings and can be essential for financial purposes.

Know Your Company's Grievance Policy:

Familiarise yourself with your employer's grievance policy for addressing workplace concerns. Understanding the procedures will empower you to request a fair process and to seek resolution if issues arise.

Open Up to Your Employer:

As much as you are comfortable to do so, share relevant personal information, such as disabilities or health conditions, with your line manager or with someone you trust in HR.

This allows them to provide appropriate support and adjustments, enabling you to fully participate at work. If they don’t know, they are less likely to take action to help you.

Know Your Contacts:

Identify key individuals within your organisation who can help you when problems arise. If your relationship with your line manager is the issue, identify alternative channels for raising concerns.

Make Your Requests Clear:

When communicating with your employer, be explicit about your needs or questions. Clearly state if you are requesting flexible working, reasonable adjustments, or raising a formal or informal grievance. Your employer may struggle to resolve the issue if they don’t understand the question.

Document Your Interactions:

When discussing issues or seeking advice, take notes and possibly even write a diary. Keep records of important emails and communications, as access to internal systems may be limited after leaving.

Address Bullying or Discrimination Immediately:

If you suspect bullying or discrimination, confide in a trusted colleague or supervisor as soon as possible. Keep a detailed record of incidents, as it may be essential for addressing the issue effectively.

Seek Trustworthy Advice:

Before taking any drastic action, consult an organisation you can trust, like us here at the Greater Manchester Law Centre! Experienced professionals can provide guidance tailored to your situation, ensuring you make informed decisions. You may want to seek advice quickly after a problem, such as dismissal or discrimination, as deadlines can be very tight if you may want to make a legal claim.

Conclusion:

By following these top tips, you'll be better equipped to protect yourself at work and ensure your rights are being respected. Remember, prevention is key, and taking proactive measures can go a long way to ensuring your work experience is as positive as possible. So, be informed, take notes, and seek guidance when needed. Here’s to making work work for you!