Why it’s always important to understand employment rights

23rd March 2016

Why it’s always important to understand employment rights

Employment rights are there for good reason – and when a business fails to adhere to legislation designed to protect workers, they face financial penalties and reputational damage.

The recent case of Ndebele v Kasterlee UK Limited & Ors has highlighted just how serious the repercussions can be when an employer fails in its duties to its staff.

A hotel company was left with a substantial compensation bill after breaking almost every rule in the book when one of its chefs developed back problems.

The chef’s back pain, which was accompanied by depression and anxiety, prompted her GP to recommend to her employer that she should not be required to carry any heavy loads. Her boss, however, made it clear that he would not be following that advice and that heavy lifting was an essential part of her job.

When the chef took legal action, an Employment Tribunal found that her employer’s attitude constituted indirect discrimination and that the hotel had failed to make reasonable adjustments to cater for her disability.

She also succeeded in a harassment claim – after her boss described her as a troublemaker – and the tribunal found that she had been victimised by being deprived of two shifts as a result of lodging her complaints.

How can Gotelee Solicitors help?

Employers need sound and clear advice to help them protect their employees when things are going well – and to protect themselves when relations break down.

If handled badly, grievances and disputes with staff can have serious consequences for your business.

Our specialist solicitors act for businesses large and small in Suffolk, Essex and further afield and can guide you to where you need to be with a minimum of fuss and expense. Our clients almost never find themselves at the wrong end of a tribunal claim.

To find out more, please contact our employment lawyers in Ipswich on 01473 298126.

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