If you’re an employee in the U.K. then specific rights and regulations are in place to protect job security. But what happens if your employer decides to let you go without first issuing a written warning? Can this happen legally or is it against the law? We have experienced employment law solicitors here at Robinsons Solicitors in Cardiff. And we have put together this blog post to find out if a written warning is always necessary before an employee can be lawfully dismissed from their position. Whether you’re working for a big enterprise, or just starting with your first job role, understand ..read more

The Equality Act 2010 provides legal protection from discrimination at work and within society.  It came into effect following a review by Trevor Phillips in 2007 and replaced several anti-discrimination laws with a single Act that would strengthen the legal protection given to a person’s  ‘protected characteristics’.  It would also identify how it is unlawful to treat someone in a much easier to understand way.  This article looks at the Act from an employment law perspective. What are ‘protected characteristics’? A protected characteristic is an actual or perceived aspect ..read more

Recently times have been challenging for many businesses. With changing working settings changing, some employers might be looking for ways to ease the financial burden. In difficult times, it can be quite common for businesses to reconsider employees’ contracts …and sometimes it may be essential. So it’s not surprising that many people might be wondering whether an employer can reduce your working hours. Your employer can reduce your hours. It is a legal requirement, however, that you are given notice of any reduced hours and a legitimate reason. An employer cannot bring in a change of workin ..read more

For a long time now, the United Kingdom has recognised the importance of flexible working as an option to achieve work-life balance among employees. The Employment Rights Act of 1996 and the Flexible Working Regulations of 2014 are key pieces of legislation whose goal is to support that end. However, many employers remain uncertain as to how they should deal with requests from employees that ask for flexible working arrangements. Moreover, there appears to be a misunderstanding concerning who can apply for flexible working, as it has been falsely assumed that only parents with young children c ..read more

With over 40% of employees leaving their jobs because they don’t like what they are doing, it’s not surprising that many might be wondering what kind of rights you have if your employer makes changes to your job role. It can come as a shock when your job function changes unexpectedly and you might be trying to uncover whether your employer has the power to change your job description. In our helpful article, we will cover the legalities around your employer’s boundaries when setting out your job function. As long as there is no significant increase in duties and requirements are reasonable and ..read more

Defining Discrimination at work, and how it may affect termination All employers should be fully aware of the law regarding discrimination at work and take steps to ensure that every employee is comfortable enough to complete their duties without ever feeling victimised, bullied or harassed. At the same time, should they have to terminate employment, they need to ensure that they do not make any discriminatory mistakes in doing so.  As an employer, what do you need to know about discrimination, the law and potential repercussions? What is the definition of discrimination at work? The Oxfo ..read more

Disputes in the workplace can be frustrating, and when you feel like you’re in the right, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. If your employer is withholding pay after you’ve quit your job, there are a few things you should know. Our employment solicitors here at Robertsons Solicitors can help guide you through this process and help you to get the pay you’re entitled to. An employee is entitled to be paid for any work completed up to the point of their resignation. This includes things like holiday pay, commission, and bonuses. You should receive any payment due for any no ..read more

As an employer, sometimes it is necessary to terminate an employee’s contract of employment. This can be for several reasons including redundancy, poor performance or breach of contract. As an employee, it is also possible to end your contract of employment early. Whether you are an employer or an employee there are a few things you need to keep in mind when terminating a contract of employment. As professional employment law specialists here at Robertsons Solicitors in Cardiff, we can help you with any questions you may have about terminating a contract of employment. In the meantime, join ou ..read more

With over 4,000 cases going to tribunals every year in the UK according to the CIPD, you may be wondering what an employment tribunal is, and what happens if you find yourself in one. An employment tribunal is a legal body that hears cases relating to employment law. This includes claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, equal pay, and more. If you feel like you have been treated unfairly at work and want to take action, an employment tribunal is one avenue you can explore. If you’re taking your employer to a tribunal, it’s important to understand what will happen on the day. In summary: Th ..read more

When it comes to disagreements, it can be difficult to know which is the best way of reaching a successful conclusion. As expert lawyers in Cardiff and the Barry area of South Wales, we will guide you through litigation vs mediation and discover some of the key differences, costs, processes, and benefits. In general, many of us understand that litigation is a way of resolving disputes during the court process, but what is mediation? Read on to find out more so you can more easily decide on the best course of action. What is mediation?  Mediation is one of the options in choosing an altern ..read more