Employment Law & Employee Rights

Businesses must comply with employment law to protect workers' rights and create fair, safe workplaces. This lesson covers the key employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in the UK.

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Why Does Employment Law Exist?

Employment law exists to:

1. Protect workers — ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and reasonable pay.
2. Prevent exploitation — stopping businesses from taking advantage of employees.
3. Promote equality — ensuring all employees have equal opportunities regardless of background.
4. Set minimum standards — establishing a baseline for pay, hours, and conditions.
5. Resolve disputes — providing a legal framework for dealing with workplace conflicts.

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Key Employment Laws

1. National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

The government sets a minimum hourly rate that employers must pay:

Category	Description
National Living Wage	The minimum hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over
National Minimum Wage	Lower minimum rates for workers under 21 and apprentices
Purpose	To ensure all workers receive a fair basic level of pay