Employment Rights & Responsibilities

1August 2012

Objectives

• Explore aspects of employment law

• Explore your roles and responsibilities as a social care worker

• Consider your career pathway within social care

August 2012 2

What information would you expect in a contract of employment?

August 2012 3

Contracts of EmploymentA contract of employment sets out the things that will affect you at work. It should include:

•Your name, the employer’s name•Date when your employment began•Your hours of work•Holiday entitlement•Details of sick pay•Your pension•Your notice period•Your job description•Where you will be located

4August 2012

Legislation

There are a number of laws in place to protect you as an employee.

Employment Rights Act 1996

The central principle is: All employees are entitled to be given a written statement which sets out the main terms and conditions of employment- this is known as your job contract or your job description.

5August 2012

Employment LawsThere are other laws that protect you at work.These cover:

•Equal Pay (men and women)•How many hours a week you can be asked to work•The treatment of part-time workers•Minimum wage•Holiday entitlement•Statutory sick pay•Paternity and maternity leave

6August 2012

Equal Opportunity LawsThe main laws of Equality:

• Sex Discrimination Act 1975

• Race Discrimination Act 1976

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995

• The Equal Pay Act 1970

• The Employment Relations Act 1999

7August 2012

Where to access help and support on matters relating to employment?

August 2012 8

Know Your Rights

• Help is available from:

• Your company• Trade unions• Citizens’ Advice Bureau• www.direct.gov.uk

9August 2012

Career Pathways

• Plan your route from where you are today to where you would like to be in the future

– Think about a specific career– Qualifications you might need to get there– Time frames– Who might help you.

August 2012 10