My employer wants to change my hours, pay or duties
Your employment contract is an agreement between you and your employer. As a general rule, your employer can't make significant changes to it, such as cutting your hours or pay, without your agreement.
There are some exceptions. Your contract may contain a clause allowing certain changes, although these clauses are usually interpreted narrowly. An employer may also try to end your contract and offer you a new one on different terms. There are rules about how employers can do this.
If a change is imposed without your agreement, what you can do depends on the circumstances, so it's worth getting advice before you respond.
I've been dismissed. Was it fair?
To be fair, a dismissal generally needs a fair reason (such as conduct, capability or redundancy) and a fair process.
Whether you can bring an unfair dismissal claim can depend on how long you've worked for your employer. However, some reasons for dismissal are automatically unfair regardless of how long you've worked there, for example dismissal because of pregnancy, whistleblowing, or raising certain health and safety concerns.
Separately, if your employer didn't give you the notice you were entitled to, you may have a claim for notice pay.
I'm being made redundant
Redundancy happens when your employer needs fewer people to do a particular kind of work. Even when a redundancy is genuine, your employer should follow a fair process, which usually includes consulting with you, using fair selection criteria, and considering whether there's suitable alternative work.
If you have at least two years' continuous service, you're usually entitled to statutory redundancy pay. Your contract may give you more.
I haven't been paid properly
Your employer generally can't take money out of your wages unless it's required by law (such as tax), allowed by your contract, or you've agreed to it in writing beforehand. Being underpaid, paid late, or not paid at all may be an unlawful deduction from wages.
This also covers holiday pay. Most workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year (pro rata if part-time).
I think I've been treated unfairly because of who I am
The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination at work because of nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Discrimination can be direct or indirect, and the Act also covers harassment and victimisation. Unlike unfair dismissal, there's no minimum length of service needed to bring a discrimination claim.
I've been offered a settlement agreement
A settlement agreement is a legal contract where you usually receive a payment in exchange for agreeing not to bring certain claims against your employer.
For a settlement agreement to be legally binding, you must receive advice from a relevant independent adviser, such as a qualified lawyer, who signs to confirm they've advised you. Your employer often contributes towards the cost of that advice.
LegalBuddha can help you understand the general issues, but it can't act as the independent adviser who signs off your settlement agreement.
Important: time limits
Employment tribunal claims have strict and short time limits. For most claims, you must first contact Acas for Early Conciliation before you can bring a claim. If you think you might have a claim, act promptly rather than waiting.
Don't rely on LegalBuddha if a deadline is close. If a tribunal deadline is approaching, get urgent advice from a solicitor or contact Acas directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer cut my hours without asking me?
Generally, not without your agreement, unless your contract clearly allows it. Whether a change is allowed depends on the wording of your contract and the circumstances.
How long do I need to have worked somewhere to claim unfair dismissal?
For most unfair dismissal claims there's a minimum length of service. However, some dismissals are automatically unfair regardless of how long you've worked there, and discrimination claims have no minimum service requirement.
What is Acas Early Conciliation?
Acas is an independent public body that helps resolve workplace disputes. For most employment tribunal claims, you must notify Acas and go through Early Conciliation before you can make a claim.
Am I entitled to redundancy pay?
If you're an employee with at least two years' continuous service, you're usually entitled to statutory redundancy pay. Your contract may entitle you to more.
My employer hasn't paid my holiday pay. What can I do?
Unpaid holiday pay can be an unlawful deduction from wages. It's usually best to raise it with your employer first, in writing, and keep a record.
Can LegalBuddha represent me at an employment tribunal?
No. LegalBuddha provides general legal information. We don't represent people at tribunals or conduct legal proceedings on your behalf.