Employment law solicitors for employees are your best ally when it comes to understanding your rights in the workplace. If you’re working in Warrington, or anywhere else in the UK, it’s crucial to know your protections—especially when something doesn’t feel right.
Whether you’re dealing with unfair treatment, worrying about a redundancy, or just want to understand your rights better, having the right information is the first step.
In this article, we break down five of the most important legal protections every employee in Warrington should be aware of.
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1. The Right to a Written Employment Contract
All employees in the UK are entitled to a written statement of terms and conditions from their employer, which must be provided on or before their first day of work. This includes:
- Job title and description
- Salary and payment terms
- Hours of work and holiday entitlement
- Notice periods
While this isn’t always a full employment contract, it’s a legal requirement and serves as a crucial reference point should disputes arise. If you’ve not received one—or if your terms have changed without agreement—you may have a legal claim.
Acas provides a helpful overview of what should be included in your contract.
2. Protection Against Unfair Dismissal
After two years of continuous service (in most cases), you gain the right not to be unfairly dismissed. This means your employer must:
- Have a fair reason for dismissal (e.g., misconduct, redundancy, capability)
- Follow a fair process in reaching the decision
Some dismissals are automatically unfair, regardless of your length of service. For example, being dismissed for whistleblowing, taking parental leave, or raising a health and safety concern.
If you believe you’ve been dismissed unfairly, it’s vital to seek legal advice quickly. You generally have only three months less one day from the date of dismissal to bring a claim to the employment tribunal.
For further details, the GOV.UK unfair dismissal guide is a must-read.
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3. Protection from Discrimination at Work
The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination based on ‘protected characteristics’, including:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can happen at any stage of employment—from recruitment to redundancy—and doesn’t have to be intentional. Examples include being denied promotions due to age, facing offensive jokes related to your background, or being paid less than a colleague for the same work.
Employers have a legal duty to prevent discrimination and deal with complaints seriously. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to compensation and other remedies.
For practical support, Citizens Advice has a dedicated guide on discrimination at work.
4. Protection Against Unlawful Deduction from Wages
Your employer is not allowed to withhold or deduct money from your wages unless:
- It’s required by law (e.g., tax, National Insurance)
- You’ve agreed to it in writing (e.g., pension contributions)
- It’s authorised by a term in your contract (e.g., overpaid wages)
If money is taken without your consent or legitimate reason, it may be an unlawful deduction. This includes withheld bonuses, missing hours on your payslip, or unexplained cuts to your salary.
You can raise a grievance with your employer and escalate the issue to an employment tribunal if needed. Legal support ensures your claim is correctly framed and submitted in time.
5. Protection During Redundancy
Redundancy is a form of dismissal, but it must follow a lawful process. Your employer must:
- Consult you properly
- Use fair selection criteria
- Explore suitable alternative roles (where applicable)
You may also be entitled to:
- Redundancy pay (statutory or enhanced)
- Paid notice period
- Time off to look for work
Redundancy rights apply after two years of service. If you suspect you’ve been unfairly selected or your redundancy is a cover for something else (such as maternity discrimination), seek legal advice immediately.
The MoneyHelper redundancy guide offers practical help for navigating redundancy situations.
Knowledge Is Protection
Employment law is designed to safeguard you against mistreatment and imbalance in the workplace. But to benefit from those protections, you need to know what they are.
If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s about pay, treatment, dismissal, or anything else—don’t hesitate to speak up. And if you’re unsure where you stand, reaching out to a qualified employment solicitor can make all the difference.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you’re facing an employment issue, consult a qualified solicitor to explore your rights and options.
