Have you recently been appointed to a full-time job? Congratulations on finally landing that job of your dream. You’re now officially an employee, and it’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with all your rights. Why? Because there are specific regulations that compel your employer to comply with them. For instance, on the issue of safety, your employer should ensure that the environment you use for work is safe. There are many other laws that employers need to observe.
Here are three facts that you should know:
1. All employers should follow employment laws
As an employee, it is your onus to read your written contract and compare it with employment laws to see if there is any infringement. All employers should observe employment laws that empower you as an employee. Failure to acquaint yourself with the employment laws can create unnecessary opportunities for your employer to exploit you. For instance, in the U.S, employers cannot hire someone below the age of 14. As a general rule, no one can hire an employee below that, nor pay below the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
2. All employers have to enroll their employees into a workplace pension
If you don’t have a workplace pension, schedule a quick meeting without an employer to find out why there is no workplace pension. Your boss must contribute toward your work pension.
3. All employers must register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
This one goes without saying. Your employer must pay tax to the state, and they can’t do that unless registered with HMRC. Your employer will deduct tax from you each month and pay it over to HMRC. All that information should be stipulated on a payslip that your employer issues every month. Failure to file for tax is a criminal offense that can land you in jail.
Last but not least, if there are any changes to your contract, your employer should agree with you first on those changes. If you disagree, there is no contract in place. After all, the term legal agreement means two or more parties agree on specific terms and conditions.
When you leave your employment, as any other previous employees did, you have a right to inspect and receive a copy of your personnel files. In a situation where you experience trouble with this, you can seek the services of an employment lawyer. A lawyer will walk you through your employment contract and advise you on a course of action that you have to take. Then the best criminal lawyer in Abbotsford can help you.
