For many of us, a large proportion of the week is spent at work. Regardless of what industry you are in and what your contract type is, it’s undeniable that everybody wants to feel respected, valued and comfortable in the workplace. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because certain issues can arise that can make you feel disrespected and devalued. If you’re unsure as to what your employer’s rights are, then it can make life in the workplace extremely difficult and it might feel like there is no resolution. Fortunately though, there are people on your side who can help you with these issues if you ever do feel as though you have been treated unfairly.
Employment lawyers can give you a hand with a whole range of different issues that arise in the workplace to help you receive the outcome that you deserve. At DJP Solicitors, we understand how important it is to be treated fairly in work, that’s why our team of experts are here to provide you with advice you can rely on.
If you’re unsure about how an employment lawyer can benefit you, here’s a quick guide to the common legal issues that they deal with!
What is an Employment Lawyer and What Do They Do?
Before detailing the common legal issues that employment lawyers can assist with, it’s important to gain an understanding of what their role actually entails. Essentially, employment law is the regulation between the employer and the employee. It sets out standards of what employers should expect from employees, and vice-versa. Dealing with the rights of workings and the responsibilities of employees to their staff, employment law is an integral aspect of any business.
So what does an employment lawyer actually do? If the lawyer is representing the employee, then they will use their expertise to obtain information, draw up contracts and claims whilst also offering professional employment law advice on how to come to a settlement. On the other hand, if the employment lawyer is representing the employer, then it is their duty to offer advice on how to defend the company against the employer’s claims. They also assist with negotiations with employees and the issues that may arise from contracts. At the start of the process, the lawyer will try to build up a comprehensive picture of the claim by receiving details such as; your salary, the details of the problem and how the situation has actually come about. Just like other claims, evidence is key in employment law. With this in mind, it’s likely that the employment lawyer will ask if you have any relevant documents that will strengthen your claim.
Now that we have touched on the main role of the employment lawyer, you might be wondering what sort of issues they can resolve. Here are just a few legal issues that employment lawyers can help you with!
Breach of Contract
One of the main legal issues surrounding employment law is a breach of contract. By definition, a contract is a document that legally binds you and your employer. This contract is breached when either the employee or employer breaks one of the terms of the contract. For instance, if the employer refuses to pay wages or the employee doesn’t work the agreed hours, then this would be a breach of contract. If you suspect that there has been a breach of contract by your employer or employee, it is always recommended that you double-check the terms and conditions of the contract to make sure that this is the case. Whilst some of these issues can be sorted directly, it’s not always that simple. If you’re unable to sort it directly, then legal action would be the next step. If you can prove that you suffered financial loss, then the employment lawyer will use all of the collected information to try and build you the best case possible. At DJP Solicitors, we’re experts in resolving disputes and bringing claims to Employment Tribunals and Court, meaning we’re well equipped to advise you on the best course of action to protect your interests.
Workplace Discrimination
As aforementioned, everyone wants to feel appreciated and valued at work, however this isn’t always the case. If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against at work, then you may be able to make a complaint and receive compensation. Age, sex, disability, race, religion and gender reassignment are just some of the characteristics that can be placed under the workplace discrimination umbrella. Nobody should be discriminated against for their appearance, belief, sexuality or disability - so if you feel that you are being treated unfairly, then you have the option to speak to your HR department or a lawyer. An employment lawyer can help you to make an internal complaint, whilst also negotiating a settlement or exit agreement with your employer. In addition to this, they can also offer their services when fighting the case if it does go to the tribunal.
Harassment
Just like discrimination, harassment or bullying is totally unacceptable in any workplace and should be taken very seriously. If you suspect that you are working in an environment where you feel intimidated or bullied, then this could be classed as workplace harassment. Offensive comments, verbal abuse, racial slurs and unwanted touching are all examples of harassment that can occur at work. You have the right to be treated fairly in the workplace, so if you feel that you are being bullied or harassed, then the law is on your side.
Unfair Dismissal
The law states that employers must have a fair reason to dismiss an employee. If you have been removed from your position of employment because of something unrelated to your job performance, then it’s likely that you have been dismissed unfairly. Being removed from your job can be an extremely testing period, that’s why employment lawyers are on hand to give you the best chance of a speedy resolution with the best possible outcome. From providing employment law advice to writing a structured appeal letter, employment lawyers are here to guide you through the process. If you feel that you were forced to leave your job against your will as a result of the employer’s conduct, then this would be classed as constructive dismissal. Depending on the details of the claim, unfair dismissals can be extremely complex. If you feel that you have been dismissed unfairly, then it may be a good idea to find a lawyer that can explain all of the details of your claim to you and help you to complete the paperwork.
Why Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer?
Now that we have addressed what common issues employment lawyers deal with, it’s also good to outline the benefits of actually hiring an employment lawyer. Here are just three benefits of hiring an employment lawyer;
● Receive the Best Outcome - Whether your issue is related to constructive dismissal or discrimination, receiving a satisfying outcome will no doubt be in your best interests. Lawyers have a solid understanding of how law works, meaning they’ll be able to provide you with expert employment law advice to enable you to build the best case possible. If you instead try to do everything yourself, then it’s likely that you’ll be left with a weaker case.
● Clarity and Advice - Contracts can be full of jargon and technical terms, making it difficult to understand. By hiring an employment lawyer, you’re able to understand the process much better, meaning that you don’t miss out on vital information. Receiving professional employment law advice means you’ll be left with the strongest case possible too.
Receive the Best Outcome with DJP Solicitors
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, the employment lawyers at DJP Solicitors are here to assist you. Whether you’ve been a subject of harassment or have received an unfair dismissal, our team of expert employment lawyers are here to provide you with employment law advice that you can rely and depend on. With over fifteen years of experience, we know exactly what it takes to build you the best case possible. Based in Aberdeen, we’re a company that goes above and beyond to ensure our customers are fully satisfied with the services that we offer. Employment-related issues can be extremely stressful, that’s why we’re here to help you arrive at a resolution as quickly as possible. To find out more about the services that we offer, simply get in touch with our team today!
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