Website design By BotEap.comLabor and employment laws in the UK have undergone radical changes in the last two decades. These changes were necessitated by several macro trends, such as the increase in the influx of immigrant labor, the need to comply with the regulations of the directives issued by the European Union, and the radical change in the acceptability of labor court rulings for part of unions in matters related to labor grievances.

Website design By BotEap.comUK employment laws governing the compensation of employed personnel include the National Minimum Wage Act, ratified by Parliament in 1998, and the National Minimum Wage Regulations Act. These employment laws are updated annually and specify the minimum wage for all classes of employment under an employment contract. The employment contract between a worker and her employer does not need to be a formal document; oral employment contracts and implied employment contracts also fall within the scope of these laws.

Website design By BotEap.comThe proposed minimum wage rate was close to £6 per hour in 2008. Whether it is paid monthly, weekly, daily, hourly or per session does not influence the applicability of minimum wage laws. However, directors of independent companies, trainees and volunteers are not guaranteed any minimum wage.

Website design By BotEap.comThe UK Employment Law also specifies the maximum number of hours a worker is required to work. Currently, this figure is 48 hours in a week. However, workers may choose to work more than 48 hours in a week, if they choose to do so of their own free will. No employer can force a worker to work more than the specified 48 hours per week. UK Employment Law gives all workers the legal right to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid holiday in a calendar year. Even part-time employees are entitled to receive the same number of paid vacations. In addition, all workers are entitled to at least one day off per week. They are also legally entitled to a rest break if they work more than 6 hours in a day.

Website design By BotEap.comWorkers who work night shifts have the right to demand free health evaluations, paid for by the employer. The UK Employment Act includes a provision that allows companies to make workers redundant in the event of a full or specific closure of business at the employee’s place of work. Layoff is also allowed if the employer can demonstrate that there is a decreasing need for workers dedicated to a specific trade. Workers have the right to demand severance pay if they have served continuously for at least 24 months. Severance pay is not taxable.