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Legal Services from the Co-op on Employment Law

Employment Law is complex; it covers every aspect of modern employment with responsibilities identified for both employee and employer. The issues that business has faced in the recent difficult trading conditions have meant that workers have often found themselves subject to redundancy. The law defines the procedures that employers need to follow and the course of action that are open to employees if you feel you have been mistreated. That can be disputes while you remain an employee as well as issues relating to your leaving employment.

Unfair dismissal

If you feel you have been unfairly dismissed or that the notice of your redundancy can be challenged then you need employment law experts to give you advice and act for you to make your challenge.

In order to come under the scope of unfair dismissal legislation you need to have continuous service of a year if your employment began before April 2012. That has now been increased to two years for new appointments. If your employer claims you are guilty of misconduct you can challenge the ruling and ultimately go to a Tribunal for a decision. The Tribunal will decide upon whether the correct procedure has been followed in the dismissal and whether it is valid. If you engage legal support the experts will take up your case and ideally get a successful resolution without reaching the tribunal stage.

Redundancy

Redundancy is a slightly broader subject where again legal help is important. If you are made redundant with the company closing down for valid reasons there is little to be done though you will be eligible for statutory payments. If however your redundancy is based on subjective decisions made by your employer then there are broader issues. If the business is continuing to operate in its current location and you have suffered when the work force has been cut you may want to fight the decision or receive an improved package from the company involved.

If the selection process for redundancy is arguably unfair to you then there is certainly a case for you to receive a much better package of compensation than would be otherwise available. Legal expertise can make all the difference in the negotiations.

The company may be relocating your particular function or closing that part of the business down for strategic reasons. Decisions such as that will be put under the microscope. You can get someone to negotiate a binding Compromise Agreement on your behalf whereby you give up your rights to go to a Tribunal in return for the employer defining the compensation you will receive and the payment schedule explained in full. Such an agreement is only valid if it identifies all the legislation that was taken into account when it was drawn up.

There are many other elements of employment legislation where you may need help. Co-op legal services provide advice on every aspect of the law and you will get completely free opinion in an initial telephone call to help you decide the way to proceed.

Steve Smith is an experienced graduate business writer who has been writing for several years specialising in legal and financial affairs. More information on his analysis of some of the issues relating to employment can be found on http://www.co-operative.coop/legalservices/probate/free-probate-advice-support/probate-forms

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steve Smith .