Know your rights at work! says Hackney Citizens Advice
The rights stuff: know what you're entitled to when it comes to employment. Photograph: Citizens Advice
This month, Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau has seen a number of people who believe they have been unfairly dismissed from their employment or have suffered discrimination at the hands of their employer.
Many of these people were not aware that there are rules in place to prevent employers from unfairly dismissing employees, or doing so based on discriminatory grounds.
For some employees, your employer must be able to show a valid reason that they can justify for dismissal, and also show that they have investigated the situation thoroughly. You can check how the rules apply to you on our Adviceguide website.
In most situations an employer must give a minimum notice period before they can dismiss you. There are some situations where a dismissal may be automatically unfair. These situations are detailed on our website.
However, generally to claim unfair dismissal you have to have worked for your employer for at least one year if you started working for your employer before 6 April 2012 or two years if you started on or after 6 April 2012. There are special rules for people who have worked for their employer for less than the required amount of time.
One woman who came to see us had her job re-advertised within hours of complaining to her employers that she was being bullied at work.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against or unfairly dismissed at work you should seek specialist advice straight away on your situation, as there are strict deadlines for taking action against your employer.
AdviceGuide, the Citizens Advice Bureau’s online advice information website, explains clearly your rights when you have been dismissed.
Alternatively, you can come into Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau, 300 Mare Street E8 1HE (tel: 020 8525 6350) and meet with an adviser to talk about your situation.
Rebecca Falcon is a social policy volunteer at Hackney Citizens Advice.