employee and employer relationships Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is a contract of employment?
A legal document signed by both the employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment (e.g. working hours, pay, holidays, job duties, notice period). Breaches may lead to legal action.
What does the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 require?
Employers must provide safe working conditions, safety equipment if needed, and safety training.
How does European legislation protect UK workers?
Through the Social Chapter of the Maastricht Treaty: max 48-hour working week, paid maternity/paternity leave, and protection from discrimination based on sex, race, age, or disability.
What is the minimum wage?
The lowest legal amount a business can pay workers. Varies by age and apprenticeship status. A ‘living wage’ for 23+ was introduced in 2016.
Why does the minimum wage change over time?
To reflect inflation and the cost of living.
What was the effect of the minimum wage on employment?
No measurable impact overall; employment grew in areas expected to be affected. Some argue growth would’ve been higher without it.
How does the minimum wage affect employees?
- Only 7–8% were directly affected
Helped younger/low-paid workers escape poverty; Pressure to maintain wage differentials.
How does the minimum wage affect employers?
- Can discourage foreign investment
Increased wage costs and redundancy in sectors like care homes; Focus shifted to productivity through training.
What is unfair dismissal?
Illegal termination without evidence. Workers can take legal action. Redundancy payments apply when workers are no longer needed.
What are alternatives to dismissal?
- Redeployment
Redundancy.
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
Age, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation.
What types of discrimination are defined?
- Direct
- Indirect
- Harassment
- Victimisation
In which areas does the law protect workers?
- Dismissal
- Terms & conditions
- Pay/benefits
- Promotion/training
- Recruitment/redundancy
Positive impacts of promoting equal opportunities?
- Higher productivity
- Higher motivation
- Lower absenteeism
- Avoids fines
- Builds positive brand image
Negative impacts of promoting equal opportunities?
- Costly to implement
Requires extensive training.
What is a trade union?
An organisation of workers protecting and improving members’ working conditions (e.g. pay, safety, job security, collective bargaining).
What are the advantages of trade unions?
- Collective bargaining power
- Legal representation
- Additional member benefits (e.g. insurance)
- Support in discrimination cases
What are the disadvantages of trade unions?
- Strikes reduce productivity
- Wage increases raise costs
- Redundancy risk
- Not all occupations benefit
Why do people join trade unions?
- Representation in disputes
- Collective bargaining
- Health and safety protection
- Financial/legal support
- Support for equal opportunity policies
What is a work council?
A committee of employer/employee representatives discussing business-wide issues (e.g. training, investment, working practices — not pay).
What is a trade dispute?
Disagreements over employment terms and conditions.
What is industrial action?
Collective action by workers protesting employment conditions.
Types of industrial action?
- Overtime ban
- Work-to-rule
- Strikes
What is ACAS?
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service — a government department helping employers and employees resolve disputes.
